The cause of death for Richard Swift, the musician-producer who died last week at the age 41, has been revealed.
In a statement posted to his official Facebook page on Monday, Swift’s family wrote that Swift “suffered from alcohol addiction, and it’s ultimately what took his life.” They also shared that Swift had been receiving treatment for his illness for the past two years. Swift was battling hepatitis and liver and kidney distress in June when he hospitalized and a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help fund his bills.
Swift was moved to Hospice care in Tacoma, Washington, and died on July 3.
Swift performed as the touring bassist for the Black Keys in 2014 (the band’s most recent tour), and played drums for The Arcs, a side project of Black Keys singer Dan Auerbach. Swift performed with The Shins from 2011 through 2016.
When Swift was hospitalized in Tacoma, Washington, last month, fans were only told it was due to an unidentified “life-threatening condition.” A GoFundMe campaign had been launched to cover his medical bills. The campaign raised more than $87,000 of its $100,000 goal.
On top of his own solo career, Swift produced a variety of rock outfits, including Foxygen, Guster, the Mynabirds, Sharon Van Etten, Damien Jurado and Pure Bathing Culture.
Born in California in 1977, Swift released music on his own before signing to indie label Secretly Canadian. His final solo release was 2009’s “The Atlantic Ocean.”
Many peers, including Auerbach, paid tribute to Swift upon news of his death.
“Today the world lost one of the most talented musicians I know,” the Black Keys singer/guitarist wrote in post under a photo of him and Swift. “He’s now with his Mom and Sister. I will miss you my friend.”
Swift is survived by his wife Shealynn and their three children Madison, Adrian & Kennedy.
Check out the Facebook post below: