Trevor Strnad, founding lead vocalist of the melodic death metal band Black Dahlia Murder, has died at the age of 41.
Strnad’s bandmates confirmed his death Wednesday on social media. No cause of death was provided, but the surviving members shared contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad,” Black Dahlia Murder said in a statement. Beloved son, brother and pastor of the good times, he was loved by everything with him. A walking encyclopedia of all things music. He was a hugger, a writer and truly one of the best artists in the world. His lyrics provided the world with stories, spells, horror and fantasy. It was the life of him to be your show.”
The Michigan-based metal act, named for the infamous unsolved murder of actress Elizabeth Smart in 1947, formed in 2000. After a series of independent EPs, the group signed to his Metal Blade Records label, which released the nine of Black Dahlia Murder. studio albums, including their most recent LP, 2020 Verminous. Metal Blade Records also confirmed Strnad’s death on Wednesday.
The death metal band had plans to tour later this year at the time of Strnad’s death, including a May 20 show as part of the Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, Florida.