American Singer Vic Chesnutt Dead Of An Overdose
The respected American singer and songwriter overdosed on muscle relaxants while in home in the town of Athens, Georgia.
His record company, Constellations Records, confirmed the news. James Victor, nicknamed “Vic”, was only 45 years old.
The performer had been in coma for a few days before passing away. He is survived by his wife Tina Whatley Chesnutt, his sister, Lorinda Crane as well as nine nieces and nephews.
Chesnutt had been in a wheelchair since a car accident left him paralysed in 1983. He was also an adopted child.
He was particularly well respected by members of REM. He had worked with Michael Stipe, the frontman for the iconic American band, who produced Vic’s first two albums, Little in1990 and West of Rome in 1991. He has released a total of 16 albums. Madonna, The Smashing Pumpkins, Sparklehorse, and REM have all covered some of his songs on a tribute album ‘Sweet Relief II: Gravity Of The Situation’, released in 1996.
Chesnutt has admitted attempting to commit suicide three or four times during a recent radio interview.
According to a Tweet from Throwing Muses member Kristin Hersh, Chestnutt allegedly committed suicide since he left a note to that effect before slipping into coma.
Hersh wrote on Tweeter: “This time, it’s real scary: This time, he left a note, this time, he asked them to call me.”
The Throwing Muses frontwoman created a fund to come in aid to Chestnutt’s family: Kristinhersh.cashmusic.org.
REM singer Michael Stipe said of Chestnutt that he was one the greatest songwriters and voices of his generation.
A memorial as celebrated in his honour on December 27 in his hometown of Athens.