Jason Wood, bassist and founding member of post-hardcore band Engine Down, has died. The band confirmed his passing in a statement shared on social media. His cause of death has not been officially disclosed.
“We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Jason Wood,” the band wrote.
Engine Down remembered Wood as an important part of the group’s music and history, noting that he initially learned to play bass to help form the band.
“He started playing bass in order to form this band with us, locked in with Cornbread as an unstoppable rhythm section, and developed a playing style and stage presence that were uniquely his own,” the statement reads.
Beyond his musical contributions, Wood played a major role in the band’s operations. He purchased their first van, helped book their earliest shows and served as their unofficial tour manager throughout their career.
The band also recalled his sense of humor, enthusiasm and ability to bring people together, describing him as “the ultimate team player.”
Engine Down bandmate Jonathan Fuller shared a separate tribute, remembering Wood as a close friend whose outgoing personality helped bring people together.
“Everyone’s funniest, most smart-assed, most puppy-dog-loyal, best friend has left us, and we’ll never be the same,” Fuller wrote.
Fuller recalled how Wood’s desire to connect with others helped expand their circle of friends, both during their years living and touring together and afterward. He also noted that Wood later pursued a career in the culinary world, working in several cities.
In his tribute, Fuller spoke about Wood’s struggles with alcohol addiction in his later years, explaining that the illness caused him to withdraw from the people closest to him despite efforts from his wife, Lou, and their community to support him.
“He was carrying a burden that I’ll never comprehend, and while what I want most is for him to still be here and be healthy and happy, I would never want him to keep suffering that unbearable weight just so that I could have more time with him,” Fuller wrote.
Fuller concluded his message with: “Rest easy Jason. We see you, we know you, and we love you.”
Engine Down’s collective statement also reflected on the band’s years together.
“There was a truly magical alchemy in Engine Down, both musically and personally, and we’re happy to have found ourselves in the right time at the right place with the right people,” the band wrote.
The statement concluded with a message signed by Cornbread, Jeremy, Jonathan and Keeley: “We love you Jason.”
