Tragedy has struck a band and young family in Perth after the lead singer of local band Pyramid Of The Coyote collapsed and died on stage during a gig at the Civic Hotel in Inglewood over the weekend.
Singer/songwriter Gary Cornell collapsed during the second song of the band’s set according to PerthNow. A spokesperson from the police said that Cornell was transported to Royal Perth Hospital but was unable to be revived.
“Just after 11pm police were called to RPH in regard to the death of a person who had been performing in Inglewood who collapsed on stage and taken to the hospital, but was unable to be revived,” the spokesperson said.
A report is currently being prepared for the coroner but officials believe that he died after suffering a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, and two children.
His wife told reporters overnight, “We were together 13 years and we have two girls Madisan, and Trinity, and he loved his music and he loved his band and he lived life as full as he could. It was a complete shock, he was so excited for the future and he had so much to live for.”
The guitarist for Pyramid Of The Coyote, Kely Barcia, paid tribute to Cornell on the group’s official Facebook page. “It is with great sadness that I inform you all that Gary has in fact passed away last night, second song into our set at the Civic Den,” the statement read.
“Gary collapsed on stage and despite everyone’s best efforts to revive him using CPR and the ambulance team taking Gary to Royal Perth Hospital, he was unable to be revived. There is no specific reason given for his passing but it is suspected Gary experienced a suspected cardiac arrest.”
“Gary was a great performer/singer/song writer/drummer/musician/event promoter, a great mate to all that knew him, had a sincere lust for living life to it’s fullest and a great genuine person with a warm and very human side.”
“Our hearts go out to his family and those closest to him, 34 years of age is much to early to check out. I would like to thank you all for supporting Gary and Pyramid of the Coyote in the time that we have been plugging away at our music.”
“I would also like to thank the Civic hotel staff for their support, in particular the two employees that performed CPR relentlessly, not giving up on Gary despite what was to be an impossible mission with no positive outcome.”
“Once again, my deepest sympathies to those closest to Gary, this is a truly tragic event. I have lost my best friend and brother of 17 years, RIP , you’ll be truly missed :(”
The band have an upcoming show scheduled at the Rock Inn on March 30th. It is expected the the show will become a tribute to the late singer.
Tone Deaf would like to extend our sympathy to family, friends and fans.
