Canadian record producer, engineer and musician Todd Simko has died at age 45, Billboard reports.
Family and close friends have confirmed Simko’s death after he went missing on Sunday at a river near his home in Vancouver. His body is yet to be recovered.
“A witness saw him on a low level bridge and said that he had gone in the river,” a close friend told Billboard.
“Another witness said they saw him going under from the currents and the police say that they may never find the body because the current in that area is so strong. How he got in the water is the mystery.”
Simko worked with acts including Xavier Rudd and Marcy Playground, and his own band Pure was signed in the 90s to North American record labels Reprise and Mammoth.
Simko’s Facebook page has been inundated with messages from musicians, colleagues, friends and fans expressing their sadness and their gratitude towards his work.
Among these are a message from long-time friend and Pure singer, Jordy Birch, who posted:
“Thanks for lending me all of your cool New Wave records when we were kids. You were my brother. I will miss you forever. R.I.P.”
For a full tribute and more information on Simko’s career, check out Billboard’s coverage here.
