Black Tusk launch memorial fund for late bassist Athon

Black Tusk have launched a memorial fund for tragic bassist Jonathan Athon.

Athon died in hospital this month when his life support was switched off after a motorcycle crash in Georgia, USA, left him with severe brain damage. He was 32.

Now the remaining members of Black Tusk have thanked fans for their support. Many contributed to Athon’s medical expenses while he was in an induced coma. And while those costs have been covered, Athon’s girlfriend Emily still needs help. She is said to be “coherent” and is expected to recover, but the medical bills are piling up.

The band say: “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the overwhelming amount of support received in the past week. Many of you have been inquiring about Athon’s medical bills and how you can help. As of now, they are covered.

However, we would still like you to contribute if you can. Athon was a very giving person, and he thoroughly enjoyed helping others with his endless skill sets. Athon played a very large role in the renovation of fellow bassist and friend Jason Statts’ home after he was paralysed from a gunshot wound, and he regularly checked in on Jason to listen to music, grill out, or just provide company.

“Athon and his friend Keith Kozel worked together over the last decade every October to prepare the Jinx bar for their annual Halloween extravaganza. Keith was recently diagnosed with a degenerative kidney disease, and he is in dire need of a transplant.

“While Athon’s medical expenses have been covered, his girlfriend Emily’s have not. She has undergone surgery and faces a long road to recovery both physically and emotionally. So in the spirit of Jonathan Athon, we ask that you contribute to this fund that will split the proceeds among Emily, Keith, and Jason. Help Athon keep helping people.”

Anyone who would like to contribute can use the Paypal account AthonFund@gmail.com

Stef wrote close to 5,000 stories during his time as assistant online news editor and later as online news editor between 2014-2016. An accomplished reporter and journalist, Stef has written extensively for a number of UK newspapers and also played bass with UK rock favourites Logan. His favourite bands are Pixies and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Stef left the world of rock'n'roll news behind when he moved to his beloved Canada in 2016, but he started on his next 5000 stories in 2022.