Surfer Blood’s Thomas Fekete Has Died
Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete died last night after a long battle with a rare form of cancer. His wife, Jessica Fekete, announced his passing on her GoFundMe page, which she launched to raise money for her husband’s treatment. Her statement is below.
Our sweet Thomas passed on last night, peacefully in his sleep, holding my hand. With one last sigh, he let go of the burden of pain and suffering that he has been bravely carrying for so long. I am full of comfort knowing that he is now free, and long for the day I get to be with him again.
May we all carry on Thomas’ legacy by being the very best versions of ourselves for the rest of our days, and do as much as we can to help others in his honor. If we can strive to be half the person Thomas was, this world will be a better place.
I plan to host a celebration of his life here on the beach in South Florida, the first weekend of July, just after his birthday on 1st. I will share specific details as soon as possible. I invite anyone who holds Thomas in their hearts to please join me in celebrating him.
It was an absolute privilege to stand next to Thomas and face this monster head on. Even as his body failed him, his mind and spirit soldiered on. Never was there a day that we weren’t filled with hope. Never was there a day that he even considered throwing in the towel. He was the kind hearted, funny, fearless, magnetic beam of light you all knew him to be up until his very last breath.
Thomas John Fekete, I love you and live for you. Nothing will make me more proud than being able to call myself your wife.
Now, my beautiful angel, go find Bowie and jam.
Fekete, who played in the Florida-based band since 2009, was forced to leave Surfer Blood last year due to his illness. While healing from surgery and beginning chemotherapy, he released the cassette-only solo album called Burner to help raise money for his treatments.
“Some of these songs reflect on good times, days I’m able to walk on my own, talk, and function like a somewhat normal human being,” he wrote of the tape. “Others remind me of barfing between vocal takes, wheel chairs, dilaudid withdrawals, and tears, from my family, my spouse, my dear friends. However, like everything in my life, I did manage to find some humor in my situation, and I hope that helps level out all the heavy stuff.”
Fekete was 27, according to Stereogum.
