Last week, Kai Turmann, a lifelong friend of Bill Crook, announced via Instagram that Bill, who previously served as the bassist for Spiritbox and the pop-punk act Living With Lions, had suddenly passed away.
Since that initial post, artists from the metal, pop-punk, and alternative music communities have flooded Bill’s final post on Instagram, where he detailed working with Underoath drummer/vocalist Aaron Gillespie on new music at the beginning of July.
Gillespie shared his heartfelt condolences, writing on Bill’s post, “I’ve thought about typing here for days and been too scared, or too confused. I love you bill and I’m so forever grateful that I was able to make music with you and call you friend. There’s truly nobody like you. My son has a Pokémon poster in his room you gave him years ago and every time I walk by it I’ll know and remember how wonderful you are, and generous and kind. I’m eternally honored to have made what we made. I love you bubba.”
Now, Turmann has set up and shared a GoFundMe to support Bill’s mother, Linda, to pay for memorial expenses, recoup funds that were used “in support of Bill” over the past year, and more. The GoFundMe was originally set at a $10,000 goal but has accrued more than $38,000 at the time of this publication.
Read more: Bill Crook, Former Spiritbox Bassist, Has Passed Away
The page reads, “My name is Kai Turmann, and Bill and I have been best friends since we were 10 years old. So many people are grieving Bill’s passing, but none more than his wonderful mother, Linda. Bill was Linda’s only child, and she loved him so, so much.”
He continues, “While she navigates this unimaginable loss, I’m reaching out to Bill’s large network of friends and loved ones to ask for any donations that can help Linda cover the costs of the memorial, and any other expenses she is incurring during this incredibly difficult time. We know that many of you wish to celebrate Bill’s life with those who loved him, and we will share details about a Memorial Service once finalized, with an option to attend virtually for those unable to be present. Every dollar donated will go directly to Linda. This fundraiser has been created with her blessing, as well as her expressed gratitude and love to all of us who loved Bill.”
While the GoFundMe has more than surpassed its initial goal, Turmann provided an update that the family “have continued to receive donations” and “ continue to have friends reach out asking how they can help, so with Linda’s blessing we have decided to keep this running.”
He continues in his update on Tuesday, July 30, “Tomorrow [July 31] would have been Bill’s 38th Birthday, and wherever he is, we hope there’s some Mountain Dew and an empty seat at Cactus Club.”
If you are interested in donating to support Bill Crook’s family during this unimaginable time, please follow this link to the official GoFundMe. Additionally, you can find information about the memorial service via the GoFundMe updates.
