Ryan Siew, guitarist for Australian metalcore band Polaris, has died his bandmates confirmed. Siew was 26.
The Sydney musician died on the morning of Monday June 19, days before the band pulled out of several European tour dates.
His cause of death has not been made public.
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The remaining members of Polaris took to Instagram to share the tragic news in a post honouring Siew on Wednesday morning, nine days after his death.
“It is with shattered hearts & the deepest sorrow that we tell you our dear brother and bandmate Ryan Siew passed away on the morning of Monday June 19,” the post read.
“He was 26 years old, and for 10 incredible years he was our best friend and artistic soulmate. Those years will never be enough. He was kindhearted and clever, he was funny and brave and creative, and he was talented beyond all measure.”
“He loved art, and beauty in all its forms. He loved great food in great company. He loved Harry Potter and psych-thrillers and crime documentaries. He loved music, more diversely than you could ever imagine, and spoke its language in ways that only the rarest among us do,” the post continued.
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“And most of all, he loved & adored his family & friends. He was also much admired and beloved by so many. Ryan, we will love and miss you for the rest of our days, and we will never fill the hole that you leave in all of our lives,” the post continued.
“Our hearts are with his family first and foremost, but also with all those whose lives he touched. We ask that you please respect the wishes of Ryan’s family for privacy at this time, and likewise that you give us, our team and family the space to grieve & attempt to heal from this immeasurable loss.
“We know that you will be grieving with us and that we, and our community, will hold each other through this. In loving memory of Ryan Siew. May you be at peace.”
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His bandmates Jamie Hails, Rick Schneider, Jake Steinhauser and Daniel Furnari signed off on the emotional post.
News of Siew’s death comes one week after the Sydney band pulled out of several headline shows in Europe due to a “serious personal crisis”.
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Polaris released their first studio album The Mortal Coil on November 3, 2017, followed by their second album The Death of Me on February 12, 2020.
Their third studio album, Fatalism, is set for release in 2023.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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