Grandaddy bassist Kevin Garcia has died aged 41 following "massive" stroke

Garcia - one of the group's founding members - had been in the band for most of his life, joining the group at 15 years old and releasing 1997's seminal Under The Western Freeway while in his early 20s. Although Grandaddy had been on hiatus for the majority of this century, they returned recently for a new album and live dates.

"There are no accurate words to express what we need to," a statement from Grandaddy reads on Facebook. "We are absolutely shattered to say that we lost our friend and band mate Kevin Garcia early this afternoon. He succumbed to the effects of a massive stroke. We were all able to say goodbye to him and he was surrounded by his closest friends and family here in Modesto."

"Kevin started playing with Grandaddy when he was fifteen," the post continues. "He was an actual angel. He navigated life with a grace, a generosity and a kindness that was utterly unique. And contagious. He is loved so deeply by so many."

"Kevin was a proud father of two children, Jayden and Gavin. He is survived by his grandmother Joan, his parents Randy and Barbara (who let us practice at their house until 2001… and who are the best), his brothers Craig and Jeff and his wife Sondra. We’ll have more to say in the days ahead. Right now the four of us are grieving together. With great sadness and love, Grandaddy."

To help with "coming expenses" a GoFundMe page has been set up - you can check it out and donate here.

Our thoughts are with Garcia's family and friends at this time.