Big Daddy Weave bassist Jay Weaver dies, age 42, due to complications with COVID-19
On Sunday evening, Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver announced the death of his younger brother and bandmate Jason 'Jay' Weaver, at age 42, due to complications with COVID-19.
'I'm so sorry to bring this news, but I'm also excited to celebrate where he is right now. My brother, Jay, went to be with Jesus just a couple hours ago,' the 45-year-old Christian crooner revealed on the band's Instagram account.
'You guys have seen him walk the uphill battle and you guys have helped carry him through so much. And man, I'm telling you, the Lord used him in such a mighty way out on the road for so many years.
RIP: On Sunday evening, Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver (R, pictured November 8) announced the death of his younger brother and bandmate Jason 'Jay' Weaver (L), at age 42, due to complications with COVID-19
'And anybody's who's come in contact with him, man, just knows how real his faith in Jesus was. I believe that even though COVID may have taken his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him. I know that he's seeing things now that I long to see. My heart's broke.'
The bass player spent six days in the hospital battling the 'awful virus' and Mike told fans their 'prayers for healing can turn into prayers of thanksgiving now that Jay is in God's presence.'
Jay received condolences from American Idol #8 alum Danny Gokey, the Gospel Music Association, Steven Curtis Chapman, Phil Wickham, Irish band We Are Messengers, and MercyMe frontman Bart Millard.
Weaver suffered from many health problems including diabetes and a disease which lead to the amputation of both his feet in 2016, and he took a hiatus from the band in August after landing in the ICU.
The 45-year-old Christian crooner revealed: 'I'm so sorry to bring this news, but I'm also excited to celebrate where he is right now. My brother, Jay, went to be with Jesus just a couple hours ago...I believe that even though COVID may have taken his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him. I know that he's seeing things now that I long to see. My heart's broke'
Sad: The bass player spent six days in the hospital battling the 'awful virus' and Mike told fans their 'prayers for healing can turn into prayers of thanksgiving now that Jay is in God's presence' (pictured in 2019)
'I'm sorry for your loss': Jay received condolences from American Idol #8 alum Danny Gokey, the Gospel Music Association, Steven Curtis Chapman, Phil Wickham, Irish band We Are Messengers, and MercyMe frontman Bart Millard
The Florida musician is survived by his wife Emily and their three children - Makenzie, Madison, and Nathan.
Tragically, Jay passed away 11 days shy of the couple's 12th wedding anniversary on January 13.
Back in 2019, Emily tearfully shared a Facebook video of Weaver standing up while performing two songs with his band: 'Jay is an amazing man. His faith and confidence encourage me.'
Surrounded by support: Weaver suffered from many health problems including diabetes and a disease which lead to the amputation of both his feet in 2016, and he took a hiatus from the band in August after landing in the ICU (pictured in 2018)
Gone too soon: The Florida musician is survived by his wife Emily and their three children - Makenzie, Madison, and Nathan - and he passed away 11 days shy of the couple's 12th wedding anniversary on January 13 (pictured August 5)
Back in 2019, Emily tearfully shared a Facebook video of Jay standing up while performing two songs with his band: 'Jay is an amazing man. His faith and confidence encourage me'
The This Is What We Live For rocker co-founded Big Daddy Weave in 1998 with his brother and University of Mobile buddies Joe Shirk, Jeremy Redmon, and Brian Beihl.
The contemporary Christian band has released eight studio album and landed three top 20 hits on the US Christian music chart.
Big Daddy Weave is next scheduled to perform January 24 on the K-Love Cruise in Florida before kicking off their 26-date All Things New Tour on February 8 in Arkansas.
Three top 20 hits! Weaver co-founded Big Daddy Weave in 1998 with his brother and University of Mobile buddies Joe Shirk, Jeremy Redmon, and Brian Beihl (pictured April 15)
Still on? Big Daddy Weave is next scheduled to perform January 24 on the K-Love Cruise in Florida before kicking off their 26-date All Things New Tour on February 8 in Arkansas
- Instagram bdwmusic Verified Thank you for your love and prayers, friends. Please see this message from Mike.
- Instagram bdwmusic Verified We write today asking that you would please pray for Jay and his family.
- Facebook Emily Weaver A1pma8rpil 149,8 24s0e15a9m3 · This happened tonight! Jay stood and played for two songs. I watch him with tears pouring, smiling, so proud of him.
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