Justin Cary is dead. The bassist of the US band Sixpence None the Richer, once successful with the hit "Kiss Me," died on Thursday at the age of just 50. This was confirmed by the group's singer, Leigh Nash (49), on Instagram. The death is also confirmed on a GoFundMe page that was set up for Cary's surviving wife Linda. "Justin passed away peacefully this morning, and Linda was by his side," read a statement on the donation page.
Severe Stroke and Days in Intensive Care
Cary's death was preceded by a dramatic week. The musician had apparently suffered "a severe stroke" several days earlier and was being treated at Albany Medical Center in New York State, as the family described on the fundraising page. The musician had undergone two operations and was subsequently in intensive care on a ventilator.
"Linda is sitting right next to his bed, reading to him and hoping he can hear her. She is also telling him how much he is loved," read a further update about the deceased's wife.
"There Has Never Been Anyone Like Justin"
Bandmate Leigh Nash found moving words for her longtime companion. Even before his death, she had addressed fans on Instagram: "We love our brother so much. Words are not enough." After his death, Nash wrote a moving farewell message: "Thank you, Justin. We love you forever. Please hold his beloved Linda in your hearts. She is our family." And further: "There has never been anyone like Justin."
Worldwide Hit "Kiss Me"
Sixpence None the Richer was founded in 1992, and Cary joined the band in 1997, shortly before the self-titled album with the mega-hit "Kiss Me" was released. The song climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and became a song that can still be heard in movies, TV shows, and commercials to this day. In 2000, "Kiss Me" was nominated for a Grammy in the category "Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals."
