Devon Clifford, the drummer for Abbottsford-based dance-punk group You Say Party! We Say Die!, passed away early Sunday morning after collapsing during a gig at Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre Friday night.
"It is with absolute sadness to report that our dear friend Devon Clifford passed away just hours ago in a Vancouver hospital surrounded by his family and friends," the band's publicist said in a press release. "He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. I request that we respect the family's privacy during this incredibly difficult time."
The cause of death remains unconfirmed, although a source close to the band says he was rushed to hospital after lead singer Becky Ninkovic asked audience members at the Downtown Eastside venue to call 911 shortly after midnight. The source said Clifford was resuscitated on the way to the hospital, where doctors discovered he had bleeding of the brain. He was then put into a coma and put on life support.
It was reported that Clifford, 30, underwent surgery early Saturday morning. He was taken off life support early Sunday morning.
"DEVON CLIFFORD 1979 - 2010 R.I.P" read the message the band sent out via Twitter early Sunday morning. Previous tweets included "We are devastated and trying to keep hope. He needs at miracle. Thank you" and "there aren't alot of words right now. let the doctors do their job."
According to the Globe and Mail, Clifford worked for the Portland Hotel Society, a housing organization that helps the impoverished residents of the Vancouver Downtown Eastside.
The band had just returned from a North American tour in support of their latest release, XXXX, and were set to embark on an extensive European tour beginning April 26. It is unknown whether the band will complete the tour upcoming dates.
UPDATE:
Radio 3 has received an official statement from the family. It reads as follows:
Devon Clifford | Family Statement
YSPWSD's Devon Clifford experienced a massive brain hemorrhage resulting from congenital defects while on stage in Vancouver on Friday night and fell into a coma. A surgery was performed but sadly doctors were unable to save his life. He was 30.
Devon Clifford was an extremely gifted drummer and determined character. He loved his family, loved his band, loved traveling, loved being on stage and loved meeting people around the world. He was smart, witty, passionate, and music meant everything to him. He was also incredibly generous with his love and respected everybody he came into contact with. This was underlined by his work with the under privileged at the Portland Hotel Society.
The Clifford family would like to take this opportunity to remind young people to have the courage to follow their dreams like Devon did.
The family would also like to take this opportunity to thank everybody around the world for their kind words and stories about how Devon impacted their lives.
