Greg Lee, co-lead singer of the California ska band Hepcat, has died at 53 years old.
His partner Amanda Becker revealed the news in a social media post, writing that Lee had suffered a “massive brain aneurysm and cardiac arrest” at their home in Paramount, California on Sunday (March 17th) before passing away in the hospital on Tuesday.
“I found him on the floor unconscious and not breathing,” Becker recalled. “I immediately called for 911 and the first responders were through the door within moments. They were able to regain his pulse, but he was not able to breathe on his own. He has been on life support in the NICU ever since and has not regained consciousness. The neurologist let us know his case is very rare and that the moment was swift. He did not suffer.”
Becker continued, “He has touched the lives and hearts of so many people all around the world through music and travel. His songs with Hepcat helped so many of us in both joyous and even depressing times. He has inspired so many to create, dance, sing, and love. Myself included. His unique talents and presence will forever be unmatched.”
Hepcat formed in the late 1980s with Lee as one of the original members, and has continued performing over the past three decades. Lee’s soulful harmonies with singer Alex Désert were a highlight of the eight-piece band’s live shows.
In his own statement (via Los Angeles Times), Hepcat drummer Greg Narvas vowed that the group will “keep the fire burning” in their late bandmate’s honor. “Lee made sure that no matter what, every single time, his vibe was 100% pure positivity — I mean like a huge freakin’ sunbeam that he broadcast from the stage, warming everyone in its path,” he said.”That’s what I’ll miss most. It really is like having a flame extinguished.”
In addition to being a member of Hepcat, Lee also performed with the Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, the Aggrolites, and other SoCal groups.
Lee is survived by his four children, including a baby girl with Becker due in September, along with Becker; his mother, Janice; brothers Michael, Steve, and Tony; and sister, Jennifer.