Stereo Embers is sad to report that Surfer Blood’s guitarist Thomas Fekete has died.

He was 27.

Fekete had been battling cancer.

A year ago he explained his condition on his GoFundMe page:

“A few months back I had a major surgery to remove a large tumor from my abdomen. I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive cancer (a sarcoma), which unfortunately has moved. A few days ago, my doctors informed me that it had spread to my lungs and my spine. The lesion on my lower spine will be treated with radiation, and I’ll also start chemotherapy this week.”

Fekete had sought alternative medical treatment over the course of his illness.

Because he had left the band and was unable to tour, Fekete needed help with his mounting medical bills.

“Any bit of help would be massive for me,” he wrote.  “…My wonderful wife/best friend whom I just married in November will now be leaving work to help me throughout my treatment. If you can’t help, no worries whatsoever, all I ask is that you spread the word. Any extra funds collected when this is all said and done will be donated to further my doctor’s alternative cancer research…Please take care of yourselves, enjoy every single day. Life is beautiful. Love and light always…”

On Surfer Blood’s official Facebook page, the band posted:

I love you Thom. Thank you for convincing me to leave Florida to play shows, and for playing music with me for six amazing years. I’ve never met anyone like you and I know I never will again. I don’t know where or who I would be without you, and I’ll miss you everyday.

Meanwhile, Fekete’s label Joyful Noise released this statement earlier today:

We are heartbroken to learn that our friend Thomas Fekete passed away in his sleep last night after a battle with cancer. We just met Thom a couple of years ago when we began working with his band, Surfer Blood. But in our brief time with Thom, we knew him as an extremely gentle, caring, creative, and positive person. Even amidst his body failing him, he kept a smile on his face (and even continued to record bedroom pop on his 4-track right up until the end). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, bandmates, and his amazing wife Jessica. See you on the other side brother.

Surfer Blood released their debut album Astro Coast back in 2010.

Their latest effort is 1000 Palms.