Black Tusk’s Jonathan Athon Dead at Age 32

Jonathan Athon, bassist and vocalist for Savannah, GA’s Black Tusk, has passed away as the result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident this past Friday, November 7. He was thirty-two.

The band broke the tragic news via Facebook about an hour ago:

“It is with deep regret and saddened hearts that we must tell you that Athon passed away this morning from injuries sustained from his motorcycle accident. Doctors told us that he suffered irreparable brain damage shortly after the accident. He has been in a coma and sustained by life support until now. As per his wishes, we removed Athon from his life support systems and his organs will be donated. His body will be cremated and a memorial is being planned for family and friends in Savannah. He was 32 years old and will be forever missed. Thank you all for your support during this devastating time for us, it would have made him proud.”

The band had previously reported that the accident was the result of Athon being able to brake in time to avoid a collision with a car that had run a stop sign. His girlfriend, Emily, was also in the accident, although her injuries were far less substantial.

We’ve been fans of Black Tusk here at MetalSucks for some time now — in fact, this past week marked the third anniversary of The Metal Suckfest, at which the band played. According to Metal Underground, the band “had entered the studio back in September with producer Joel Grind to work on the follow-up to 2013’s Tend No Wounds EP.” We don’t know the status of that album, but if we’re lucky, Athon will have left us one last piece of his creative legacy by which to remember him.

Our hearts go out to Athon’s family and friends during this difficult time. R.I.P., brother.