Mandolin player, songwriter and frontman Jeff Austin, one of the long-time pillars of the jamband community in Jeff Austin Band and Yonder Mountain String Band, suffered a medical emergency that caused his upcoming shows to be cancelled. While friends and family had hoped he could recover, today his family took to Facebook to update everyone that he has officially passed on. Such horribly sad news. Our thoughts are with his close friends and family today. 😢
The Denver Post notes that while no cause of death was given on his Facebook page, “AEG Presents confirmed that Austin died after being put into a medically induced coma.” [via]
A statement was then posted on Jeff Austin’s Facebook page that stated that “due to a medical emergency” his upcoming shows at ROMP Music Festival, Back Home Appalachian Arts & Music Festival and Smoky Run Music Festival would all be cancelled. The note ends with a thanks for “your understanding and continued support.”
A follow up note posted details out where to find out where to hear updates officially from the family (at Jeff Austin’s official Facebook page), and that they’ve established a Sweet Relief Fund for his medical needs.
What we can share at this time, is that Jeff is in Seattle with his family, receiving the best care possible. Please consider showing your support, and love by contributing to his medical fund.
At the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, his old mates in Yonder Mountain String Band gave any confirmation they could against the rumors spreading around the internet. Saying that Jeff was “still with us,” they asked their friends to pray, send love, or send healing thoughts his way.
They also posted this message on their Facebook page:
It’s with heavy hearts that we’ve learned of Jeff Austin‘s recent hospitalization. We ask that you join us in praying for his recovery and respect his family’s privacy during this time.
