Chicago Sun-Times reports (via Pitchfork) that former Wilco member Jay Bennett died in his sleep Sunday morning in Urbana, Illinois at the age of 45. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
Bennett was a key multi-instrumentalist and songwriter in Wilco for seven years, but split with the band in 2001 while they were putting final touches on their biggest breakthrough, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Subsequently, Bennett released five solo albums and was finishing his most recent album, Kicking at the Perfumed Air, in the past couple months.
**Update: Jeff Tweedy has posted a comment on Wilco’s official site:
We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him — as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band’s songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time.
Jeff Tweedy
For more on this story from Jim DeRogatis, click here, or for a few key tracks from Bennett’s oeuvre over at Idolator, click here.