Gord Downie Cause Of Death: Tragically Hip Singer Dies At 53

Canadian musician Gord Downie died Tuesday night at the age of 53. Downie suffered from terminal brain cancer known as glioblastoma since December 2015. The Tragically Hip singer discovered his condition after suffering from a seizure that month.

Downie was surrounded by his family when he died Tuesday evening.

“Gord knew this was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends to a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss … on the lips,” his family said in a statement posted on the band’s website. “Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord.”

Downie was open about his battle with cancer over the past two years.

“I am resigned to the direction this is heading,” he told CBC News in 2016. “Because I can see it and feel it … not doing something good, but it’s creating something. An opportunity, I guess. And they just don’t come around too often.”

Downie was remembered not only for his music and lyrics but for his advocacy for indigenous groups. The singer was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada in 2017. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement Wednesday in response to Downie’s passing.

“Gord did not rest from working for the issues he cared about, and his commitment and passion will continue to motivate Canadians for years to come,” Trudeau said. “On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to Gord’s family, friends, bandmates and crew members, and his many, many fans. He will be sorely missed.”