Surfer Blood’s Thomas Fekete has passed away

Thomas Fekete, the guitarist of indie rockers Surfer Blood, passed away in his sleep last night after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer

Thomas Fekete, a founding member of Florida indie-pop band has died. The guitarist formed Surfer Blood in 2009 and released three studio albums with the band before leaving to fight his cancer last year. In November of 2015, his band recruited members of Real Estate, Yo La Tengo, Guided by Voices, Yoko Ono, Interpol, and more to raise funds by auctioning off unreleased music. Fekete’s final release was Burner, a cassette of his solo recordings.

His wife announced the news of his passing on a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the costs of his medical treatment saying. “I am full of comfort knowing that he is now free, and long for the day I get to be with him again.” Read the full statement below.

“Our sweet Thomas passed on last night, peacefully in his sleep, holding my hand. With one last sigh, he let go of the burden of pain and suffering that he has been bravely carrying for so long. I am full of comfort knowing that he is now free, and long for the day I get to be with him again.

May we all carry on Thomas’ legacy by being the very best versions of ourselves for the rest of our days, and do as much as we can to help others in his honor. If we can strive to be half the person Thomas was, this world will be a better place.

I plan to host a celebration of his life here on the beach in South Florida, the first weekend of July, just after his birthday on 1st. I will share specific details as soon as possible. I invite anyone who holds Thomas in their hearts to please join me in celebrating him.

It was an absolute privilege to stand next to Thomas and face this monster head on. Even as his body failed him, his mind and spirit soldiered on. Never was there a day that we weren’t filled with hope. Never was there a day that he even considered throwing in the towel. He was the kind hearted, funny, fearless, magnetic beam of light you all knew him to be up until his very last breath.

Thomas John Fekete, I love you and live for you. Nothing will make me more proud than being able to call myself your wife.

Now, my beautiful angel, go find Bowie and jam.”