Jack Russell, a founding member and lead vocalist of metal group Great White, died Thursday, August 15, from multiple system atrophy and Lewy body dementia. He was 63.

“With tremendous sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell — father, husband, cousin, uncle, and friend,” reads a statement shared by Russell’s loved ones on X. “Jack passed peacefully in the presence of his wife Heather Ann Russell, son Matthew Hucko, cousin Naomi Breshears Barbor, and dear friends Billy and Cheryl Pawelcik.”

In July, Russell had shared a statement regarding his struggles with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy.

“I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve,” Russell said on social media at the time. “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support. Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder.”

Great White , which formed in Los Angeles in 1979, had a string of hits, including their biggest, “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989, according to Billboard. Others included “The Angel Song” and “Rock Me.”

Source: RTT Music News