Jason Simpson has died at the age of 51. He was best known for his work with The Scary Prairie Boys, who were the backing band for Colter Wall. La Honda Records, the label for both Wall and Simpson, shared a statement following the news of his death.
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"Jason Simpson was local to us at La Honda Records," the statement read. "A fellow Kentuckian with a bass guitar and long hair who we knew from around the way. For the last decade he was a part of our crew. We swapped stories, travelled the world together, and saw him keep rhythm on both small and grand stages all over this country. We are deeply saddened to have lost him. Our hearts are with the community of people who lost him, too."
Simpson reportedly passed away on Monday, March 23. The cause of death has not been made public at this time.
Wall also posted a short message on social media following Simpson's passing.
"Stood beside me for 10 years, on stage and off," Wall wrote. "Rest in peace my good friend. You are missed."
Simpson had been playing bass with The Scary Prairie Boys for Wall since 2015.
Colter Wall Announced He Was Taking a Break From Music Just Weeks Before Jason Simpson's Death
Just weeks before Simpson's death, Wall announced that he was taking a break from music due to mental health struggles.
"Myself and the band and the crew are very grateful for the privilege to play music together for you,"
he wrote. "We thank you for it. The truth is that I am mentally unwell. Despite this, I have pushed myself to continue with touring. As a result my mental health has only further declined. After discussion with my team, we have decided to cancel the remaining shows and take an indefinite hiatus from live music."It's unclear whether Simpson was suffering with an illness, or whether his passing came as a surprise. Either way, his death will undoubtedly hit Colter hard.
Hopefully, he Colter can take the time he needs to heal before eventually coming back to music.
