Jay Bennett Dies at Age 45

Jay Bennett Dies at Age 45

Jay Bennett

Jay Bennett, a former member of Wilco, died early Sunday morning in Urbana, IL, according to a spokesman for his family. Bennett worked as the band’s sound engineer and multi-instrumentalist from 1994 to 2001.

Recently, Bennett sued bandleader Jeff Tweedy for royalties he said he was owed for material during his seven years and five albums with Wilco, including money for the 2002 documentary “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.”

Wilco is currently on tour in Spain.

UPDATE: Wilco publicist Deb Bernardini released the following statement from Tweedy:

“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.”

Read more from The Chicago Sun-Times’ Jim DeRogatis