Remembrances poured in on social media Wednesday as friends and fans learned about the death of Jeff Walls, a longtime Athens musician known for playing in The Woggles and Guadalcanal Diary, among other well-loved bands.
Earlier this month, we reported that Walls had been hospitalized with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, an exceedingly rare and life-threatening condition for which the only potential cure is a double lung transplant.
Walls’ Guadalcanal Diary bandmate Murray Attaway had set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist the musician and his family with medical bills as he awaited the procedure.
Wednesday afternoon, Attaway posted the news of Walls’ death, writing, “Today at 4:16 pm, surrounded by family, Jeff Walls left us. I have no other words.”
Wuxtry Records, where Walls once worked, posted a tribute on its Facebook page Wednesday evening, as did the 40 Watt Club. Many others weighed in with condolences, including R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills.
I’m very sad to hear of Jeff Walls’ passing. We, he, and Guadalcanal Diary shared many good times over the years. R.I.P., Jeff. https://t.co/cbLx8CjSUL
— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) May 30, 2019
A benefit show that had previously been scheduled for Friday, June 7 at The Foundry will reportedly proceed as planned, with proceeds helping to alleviate Walls’ family’s financial burden.
Flagpole‘s thoughts are with Walls’ friends and family.
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