Musician Vic Chesnutt Dies at Age 45, Suicide Suspected

Constellation Records has confirmed tragic news that beloved musician Vic Chesnutt has passed away, issuing this statement: "Surrounded by family and friends, Vic Chesnutt died in Athens Georgia this afternoon, Friday 25 December at 14:59. In the few short years that we knew him personally, Vic transformed our sense of what true character, grace and determination are all about. Our grief is inexpressible and Vic’s absence unfathomable. We will make more information available according to the wishes of Vic’s family and friends."

Conflicting stories of Chesnutt's medical condition first broke on the internet late Wednesday, and on Thursday, several sites which earlier stated Chesnutt had died were corrected to read that he was lying in a coma. An official statement on his death was released around 6pm today. We are still waiting for confirmation of the circumstances surrounding Chesnutt's untimely death. Kristin Hersh, a friend and collaborator of Chesnutt's, has updated her twitter account to include details of a suicide note. The coma was rumored to be the result of an overdose of muscle relaxants.

During our interview with Vic Chesnutt just prior to his last live performance, he spoke with intense enthusiasm about his latest album and deepest regard for his all-star touring band. Their Austin performance earlier this month was the last of a tour promoting his highly acclaimed release At the Cut. Discussing the album in a recent interview with Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air, he was questioned and discussed frankly and at length several previous suicide attempts. Chesnutt also expressed frustration over financial burdens resulting from lack of adequate health insurance, the difficulty of obtaining health insurance as a paraplegic, and the incredible cost of his medical bills, which prohibited him from undergoing further recommended surgeries. Inability to pay for past hospitalizations has been suggested as a possible motive in Chesnutt's alleged suicide.