Cold Cave’s Wes Eisold shares the sad news.

Pitchfork reports that author, poet, and musician Justin Benoit has died. He had toured as part of Cold Cave’s live band in support of 2009’s Love Comes Close and played on the Cold Cave / Prurient split tape Stars Explode. Eisold’s Heartworm Press published Benoit’s written work, and he takes to Facebook to deliver the news:

Friends, It saddens me to have to tell you of the tragic passing of Justin “Chachi” Benoit.

As many of you know we lived together in my Philadelphia house, and he continued to live there until his passing. He was my friend and band member. He was a genius with impeccable taste. He loved his family, his friends, The Fall and when he would see broken umbrellas on the street. We love him and miss him dearly. Rest In Peace.

Please let’s be respectful of everyone’s privacy to grieve.