Hawthorne Heights Guitarist Dead At 26

Casey Calvert, guitarist for the rock band Hawthorne Heights, has died at age 26. According to a press release from the band, Calvert passed away in his sleep sometime Friday night. The cause of death is still to be determined.The band's statement, in its entirety, reads:

Today is probably the worst day ever. Its with our deepest regrets that we have to write this. Casey Calvert passed away in his sleep last night. We found out this afternoon before sound-check. We've spent the entire day trying to come to grips with this and figure out as much as possible.At this time we're not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed. We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable. As soon as we know more we will let you know.Sincerely, Hawthorne Heights


Based out of Dayton, Ohio, Hawthorne Heights debuted in 2004 with the album, The Silence In Black And White. They released their latest effort, If You Were Lonely, in 2006. A recent fixture on the Vans Warped Tour, they are currently in the midst of a concert tour with Escape The Fate, Amber Pacific, The Aka's, and The Secret Handshake, which is scheduled through December 21.There is no word yet on Hawthorne Heights' status or future on this itinerary.

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Article Author: Donald Gibson

Donald Gibson is the Senior Music Editor at Blogcritics where he maintains a column, An Interview with... in which he speaks to artists about their craft.

He is also the publisher of Write on Music.

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  • 1 - Glen Boyd

    Nov 25, 2007 at 4:22 am

    Sad news Donald. Thanx for reporting this.

    -Glen

  • 2 - Chancey

    Nov 25, 2007 at 10:39 am

    Hawthorne heights was probably my favorite band, and for something like this to happen truly sucks. RIP man.

  • 3 - Xina

    Nov 25, 2007 at 11:04 am

    wow this sucks. he was so young too. =[

  • 4 - Chris Beaumont

    Nov 25, 2007 at 2:20 pm

    I was never much of a Hawthorne fan, but this is sad news. My thoughts go to the band, friends, and family.

  • 5 - God

    Nov 25, 2007 at 2:44 pm

    Fail. HAHAHAAHAHAAAHAHHHAHAH!!!!!!

  • 6 - Eric

    Nov 25, 2007 at 3:02 pm

    Holy shit, man. I love Hawthorne Heights. I hope they'll be able to keep it together, like what Bayside did for there drummer. You'll be in our hearts, Casey.

  • 7 - Damien

    Nov 25, 2007 at 3:06 pm

    Always sad when a creative person succumbs.

  • 8 - Mae

    Nov 25, 2007 at 4:47 pm

    He is my favorite member, it's too hard to believe.

  • 9 - Kaylee

    Nov 25, 2007 at 5:32 pm

    awuh poor baby :[[[
    i hope he keeps playing guitar in heaven :]
    <33

  • 10 - heroin

    Nov 25, 2007 at 6:33 pm

    people don't just die in their sleep....

  • 11 - kasey

    Nov 25, 2007 at 7:10 pm

    that's horrible.
    and to heroin, yes they do.

  • 12 - Alex Agony

    Nov 25, 2007 at 8:09 pm

    Rest in peace Casey.<3


    And to heroin, actually people do.

  • 13 - adam

    Nov 25, 2007 at 8:49 pm

    he was to young. Hopefully the band will stay togethor, i dont understand how he just died in his sleep

  • 14 - Trainwreck

    Nov 25, 2007 at 8:57 pm

    People can pass away in their sleep from a variety of factors: an undiagnosed heart ailment (which is more likely in someone this young) or some sort of blood clot/aneurysm.

    26 year olds don't die suddenly for no reason, yet the reason may very well have been some unforeseen health issue. It's a sad story all around.

  • 15 - waffles

    Nov 25, 2007 at 9:03 pm

    oh god now the band is going to be even more E//

    the guy probably died from something illegal but those guys cant realize it dummies

  • 16 - Tamara

    Nov 25, 2007 at 9:56 pm

    That's really sad.
    =[

    My heart is with the band, and the family of Casey.

  • 17 - Lin

    Nov 25, 2007 at 10:34 pm

    Some of you are quite disrespectful. This man was a good friend of theirs and I do believe they'd know if he was doing anything of poor taste because, they would want to stop it at all costs. Those of you who take this lightly need to understand that people have lost their best friend, their beloved family member. Just because you didn't know him personally doesn't mean you have a right to downplay his death. This is a loss for, maybe not everyone, but for quite a few people.

    They don't know how he passed yet, and I suppose we'll find out, but don't speak of things you don't rightfully know.

    My heart goes out to anyone and everyone who is hurt even slightly by this news. Rest in Peace.

  • 18 - Sevendust Rocker

    Nov 25, 2007 at 11:08 pm

    Very Sad News! Especially this time of year! I feel sorry for his family and his band members.

  • 19 - Yooooooo

    Nov 25, 2007 at 11:29 pm

    Twas from over-cutting I do believe
    I mean come on , its Hawthorne Heights

  • 20 - MM

    Nov 26, 2007 at 12:38 am

    My brother died in his sleep at age 25, he was an all American soccer player and in perfect health, he hated drugs and booze and never touched the stuff. He had an undiagnosed heart arrhythmia, so yes it happens....to athletes and rock stars and normal people. Completely disrespectful to say it was drug related when people don't know anything for sure. For gods sake someone just lost their son, brother,friend, hero, etc. How would you feel if it were you! everyone is entitled to an opinion, but your opinion does not mean you get to disrecpect the dead.

  • 21 - jessek

    Nov 26, 2007 at 3:37 am

    i agree with lin.

    and they really made some good music. i hope they stay together.

    rest in peace mate.

  • 22 - Lucy&&Kat

    Nov 26, 2007 at 5:53 am

    Awwwh :'( We loved them!
    RIP baby

  • 23 - hawthorneheightsfan

    Nov 26, 2007 at 6:28 am

    i wonder if the band will break up or not i am so sad!!! let me no if they will kept going on and find a new guitarist.
    REST IN PEACE
    R.I.P

  • 24 - kelli

    Nov 26, 2007 at 10:00 am

    casey calvert was amazing. his death his killing me. my heart goes out to the band, friend, and family. i love you casey. RIP. <3
    hawthorne heights is ans always was my favorite all-time band.
    much love, kelli.

  • 25 - um

    Nov 26, 2007 at 10:32 am

    What will I cut myself to now!?!?!

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