Cold Collective singer and ex-Transit musician Tim Landers, who had a home in the Toronto area, died Saturday.
“At this time we please ask for your respect and understanding in this time of grieving,” read a message on Cold Collective’s Facebook page.
“We will comment further when we find the words.”
Transit, which disbanded in 2016 – two years after Landers left the group – tweeted simply: “rest in peace tim landers.”
Landers, a native of Boston, lived in Oakville, Ont. with his partner Nicole Theiss, a Toronto optometrist. In a Facebook tribute, she described the musician as her “best friend and soulmate.”
Theiss added: “I found out some time into our relationship he suffered from some mental health issues and addiction. He fought the fight, he went to war last year, did all the things you’re supposed to do to get help and back on your feet. He was coming on to almost 9 months sober and unfortunately this terrible sickness won with one slip.”
On Cold Collective’s Facebook page, a description of the band’s 2016 debut album Bachelorette Party said it was “fueled by dark times in Tim’s life.”
Theiss added: “We were always talking about our future together, life in Toronto, having a family. He had a positive outlook on life, and was supportive of everyone around him, always seeing the best in everyone. He was just such a GOOD person.”
In December, Cold Collective shared a video – directed by Landers – for their new single “Don’t Forget to Leave.” At the end, a message reads: “It’s okay to have problems. It’s okay to ask for help. Embrace your flaws and make them into something special. Everybody looks better when they’re truly being themselves.”
Last month, the band said it was in the studio working on its sophomore album. It had a gig scheduled for March 15 in Massachusetts.
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