Ex-Wilco member died from painkillers

Authorities have announced that former Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett died of an overdose of painkillers. They are investigating his death as an accident and they do not suspect any foul play. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup says that Bennett died from fetanyl, a drug commonly found in prescriptions to treat chronic pain (Bennett had apparently suffered a serious hip injury and did not have enough money to pay for the operation). Bennett was found at his home, unconscious and unresponsive on May 24, 2009. Bennett was the sound engineer and played with Wilco from 1994 to 2001. In 2001 he left the band because of disagreements with band member Jeff Tweedy and proceeded to sue his former bandmates for royalties for the time he spent in the band. Bennett was 45 when he died.

-Laurie Moot

Currently listening to: "Do You Realize??" by The Flaming Lips

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