We are saddened to bring you some bad news at the end of this weekend. Following a motorcycle crash and a traumatic brain injury, Black Tusk bassist Jonathan Athon passed away this morning, as confirmed earlier this afternoon. As the news has come down and confirmed by the bands publicist, messages of condolences and shock are starting to appear on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. We wish Jonathan’s family, friends and bandmates our sympathy and support at this difficult time.
Black Tusk emerged from the thriving Savannah metal scene that also originally birthed Baroness and Kylesa among others. The band, in which Athon was a principle writer, was prolific with 13 releases in less than ten years. Most notable were full length’s Taste the Sin, Set The Dial and the Tend No Wounds EP, all for Relapse Records. The band was also seen in the Slow Southern Steel documentary about the Southern American Metal scene, directed by CT of Rwake.
Official Press Release
“It is with deep regret and saddened hearts that we must tell you that Athon passed away this morning from injuries sustained from his motorcycle accident. Doctors told us that he suffered irreparable brain damage shortly after the accident. He has been in a coma and sustained by life support until now. As per his wishes, we removed Athon from his life support systems and his organs will be donated. His body will be cremated and a memorial is being planned for family and friends in Savannah. He was 32 years old and will be forever missed. Thank you all for your support during this devastating time for us, it would have made him proud.”