Culture

Jay Reatard Dead: Jimmy Lee Lindsey Found in Memphis Home

by Amy Judd | January 13, 2010 at 03:04 pm

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Jay Reatard, 29, has been found dead in his Memphis home. The musician called Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr, but better known as Jay Reatard was found dead in his home on Meda around 3:30am today and the news has shocked the music community. With such unexpected news, many are wondering 'how did Jay Reatard die?'

His roommate reportedly found Reatard in bed and although homicide investigators have opened up a file on Reatard's death the Memphis police have said that such a move is typical of an unexpected death but doesn't indicate foul play. How Jay died has not been officially released however.

It was reported that Jay was suffering from flu-like symptons recently, but everyone is floored by the announcement that Jay Reatard is dead.

"It hasn’t hit me yet. It’s a major loss for me as someone who really loved Jay as a person and as an artist," said Scott Bomar, who has worked with Lindsey in the past.

Jay Reatard's last tweet on Twitter read:

I will give anyone a hundred bucks per tire that they pop on the band liquor stores van ! Yes I'm serious

Fans are putting up tributes on Facebook, and Goner Records who released some of Jay's music posted this statement:

"It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our good friend Jay Reatard. Jay died in his sleep last night. We will pass along information about funeral arrangements when they are made public."

His current label with Matador Records released this statement:

"We are devastated by the death of Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., aka Jay Reatard. Jay was as full of life as anyone we’ve ever met, and responsible for so many memorable moments as a person and artist. We’re honored to have known and worked with him, and we will miss him terribly."

Jay Reatard was the leader of the late 90s punk band The Reatards, then he co-fronted the band Lost Souls in the early 2000s. His recent solo releases had given him international attention and he released a full length solo album Watch Me Fall last August.