Gord Downie Has Died

Had suffered from incurable brain cancer

Gord Downie, lead singer of The Tragically Hip, has died. The band had announced in My 2016 that Downie had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour – glioblastoma – which had responded favourably to radiation and chemotherapy, but is not curable. Downie formed the Tragically Hip with Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Davis Manning, and Gord Sinclair in 1983 winning over many fans through the incorporation of Downie’s stories and myths about life in Canada. Downie was 53.

His family released this statement this morning:

Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.

Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips.

Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.

We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.

Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years – those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.

Love you forever Gord.