The cause of death is undetermined as of yet.
Jack White is touring Mexico in support of his album, Lazaretto, but the remaining dates have now been canceled due to the death of keyboardist Isaiah ‘Ikey’ Owens.
According to the Mexican news site Perodico Digital, the 38-year-old Owens was found dead in his hotel room in Puebla at approximately 10am Tuesday morning.
The cause of death is undetermined as of yet, but authorities reportedly found drugs and alcohol in the musician’s room at the Camino Real Hotel.
White’s record label, Third Man Records, issued a statement on their website after Owens’ body was discovered.
“It is with great sadness that we tell the world of the passing of the incredible musician Isaiah ‘Ikey’ Owens” read the statement. “He will be missed and loved forever by his family, friends, bandmates and fans. Ikey Owens was an astounding keyboard player in Jack White’s backing band. He also played with Mars Volta, Free Moral Agents, and many other projects. Out of respect for Ikey, the remaining shows of the Jack White Tour in Mexico have been cancelled. We will all miss you Ikey. You were and are an incredible artist.”
Ikey Owens was very active in the music scene around Long Beach, California, as a member of the native bands Free Moral Agents and the Long Beach Dub All-Stars. He often played small local clubs around the area.
“I’m speechless right now,” said Rand Foster, owner of Fingerprints Music in Long Beach. “Ikey worked at the shop for several years, so this is really close to home. I keep thinking of his family, friends, and band-mates. He was a good guy and we’re gonna miss him. He did endless work for the Long Beach music scene…I am still trying to get my head around this.”
Before he was a prolific keyboardist, Owens left the world of financial management to pursue his passion for music in 1999.
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