Jeremiah Green, Modest Mouse drummer, dies at 45 of cancer

Modest Mouse drummer Jeremiah Green has died less than a week after his mother announced he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. He was 45. – Photo: Instagram/Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse drummer Jeremiah Green has died less than a week after his mother announced he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. He was 45.

The US rock band, which formed in Washington state in the early 1990s and shot to prominence with the 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, confirmed the death of its percussionist in a statement shared on social media at the weekend.

Green’s mother, Carol Namatame, said on Facebook that the musician "lost his courageous battle with cancer on December 31.”

"I don’t know a way to ease into this,” read the Modest Mouse statement. "Today we lost our dear friend Jeremiah. He laid down to rest and simply faded out. I’d like to say a bunch of pretty words right now, but it just isn’t the time. These will come later, and from many people. Please appreciate all the love you give, get, have given, and will get. Above all, Jeremiah was about love. We love you.”

On Facebook, Namatame wrote, "Jeremiah, drummer and founding member of the Issaquah (Washington) based band Modest Mouse... went peacefully in his sleep.”

"Jeremiah was a light to so many,” she continued in her statement. "At this time the family is requesting privacy. More information will be forthcoming including a Celebration of Life for friends and fans in the coming months. Jeremiah’s loved ones would like to thank everyone for their continued well wishes and support." – dpa