Mark Chestnutt is mourning the loss of his “buddy” and bass player, who died unexpectedly on the country star’s tour bus over the weekend.
On Monday, the “Brother Jukebox” singer, 62, took to social media to share the heartbreaking news.
“I lost my buddy Dave Sirmon Saturday night while on the road. Dave played bass guitar in my band. He was a great musician and friend,” Chestnbutt, who is currently on tour, wrote in an Instagram post.
“He was such a hard worker and very hands-on with everything on the road. He was somebody I could really depend on not only for playing music but for every aspect of the road. Advice, music, songs, the bus. Everything.”
“He was quiet but so funny with a great sense of humor,” Chestnutt continued. “He was the perfect country gentleman and an amazing man. One of the most positive people I’ve ever known. I never heard him complain one time. When you saw Dave, you saw light and would immediately smile. That was Dave. He will always ride with us in spirit and in heart. We will miss you, brother.”
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One day prior, Sirmon’s wife, Louise, revealed her husband had died in his sleep while on the bus.
“Clearly the word is spreading. This is Dave’s wife Louise and I am so very sorry to anyone finding out about Dave’s passing via this post or any other social media,” she wrote in a post published on Sirmon’s Facebook page.
“He did pass away in his sleep last night on the tour bus. I will share memorial plans when they are in place, but they will likely not be for a few weeks. Thank you to those who have reached out.”
On Sunday, a friend of the Sirmon family urged those who know and love the bass player to consider donating to the family as it navigates the loss.
“Many of you have heard the heartbreaking news of Dave James Sirmon passing. As Louise begins to navigate the unimaginable days ahead, the financial burden of unexpected expenses is already beginning to add up,” a post on Facebook said.
“If you knew Dave, you knew his heart. He was one of the most generous people you could ever meet. He opened not only his home but his life to others. Every holiday, there was always room for one more at his table-friends, strangers, anyone who needed a place to belong.”
“Dave was deeply loved throughout the country music community and by countless friends whose lives are better because they knew him. Now it’s our turn to love on Louise the way Dave loved so many of us.”
