Kevin Bronson on October 15th, 2014

0

Keyboardist Ikey Owens died early Tuesday morning of a heart attack, according to coroner’s officials in Puebla, Mexico. The information came this morning via the publicist for rocker Jack White, with whom Owens was touring.

One report out of Mexico on Tuesday said drugs were found in Owens’ hotel room. According to today’s statement from White’s representatives, “The only drugs found in his room were a small amount of marijuana.”

White has canceled his remaining tour dates in Mexico in light of Owens’ death.

Owens, 38, played in the Mars Volta, founded Free Moral Agents and worked as a collaborator and producer for myriad bands. His passing inspired an outpouring of tributes on social media Tuesday, including a statement on Facebook from his Free Moral Agents band mates Mendee Ichikawa, Jesse Carzello, Dennis Owens and Ryan Reiff :

Many people know Isaiah Ikey Owens as a producer and keyboardist. However, to us he is our dear friend, brother and bandmate. Words cannot explain our shock and overpowering grief over his death. We want you to know that we love all our fellow musician friends which we also consider family, and all the kind souls we met along the way during our years making music together. We very much appreciate you all.

Love,
Mendee, Dennis, Jesse and Ryan