R.I.P.

Folk singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt died on Christmas Day after a reported suicide attempt earlier this week that placed Chesnutt in a coma.

So sad.

The 45-year-old musician’s death was confirmed by his record label, Constellation Records, with a statement on their website reading:

In the few short years that we knew him personally, Vic transformed our sense of what true character, grace and determination are all about. Our grief is inexpressible and Vic’s absence unfathomable.

Chesnutt, who had been confined to a wheelchair since the age of 18 after a serious car accident, was discovered by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe in the 80’s and went on to release a number of acclaimed records throughout his career.

Collaborator Kristin Hersh posted to her Twitter on Wednesday while Chesnutt was still in a coma, confirming his attempts to take his own life:

“Another suicide attempt, looks bad, coma–if he survives, there may be brain damage. This time, it’s real scary: *this* time, he left a note, *this* time, he asked them to call me.”

How awful.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

[Image via Constellation Records.]