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BREAKING: Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie has died

Family statement says he 'passed away with his beloved children and family close by'
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Tragically Hip frontman and songwriter Gord Downie is pictured during a 2013 performance in Sudbury. Sudbury.com file photo

A statement posted to the official Twitter and Facebook accounts of The Tragically Hip announced this morning that frontman Gord Downie had died Tuesday evening.

The statement says “Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.”

In May 2016, Downie revealed to the public that he had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. In August of that year, the band wrapped up it’s final tour in its hometown of Kingston, Ont.

Full text of the statement follows:

Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.

Gord knew this day was coming — his response was to spend this precious time as he always had — making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss ... on the lips.

Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived "the life" for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.

We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord's bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.

Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years — those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.

Love you forever Gord.

The Downie Family