Family Release Statement Addressing Rumours Surrounding Richard Swift’s Death

The Black Keys Profile

The family of Richard Swift have issued a ‘candid’ statement surrounding the cause of the revered musician's death.

Previously a touring bassist of The Black Keys and member of The Shins, Swift passed away last week at the age of 41, with his family stating he “suffered from alcohol addiction, and it’s ultimately what took his life”.

“With the support of family and friends and the assistance of MusiCares, Richard had checked himself into rehab for multiple stays over the past two years, but his body gave out before he could overcome the disease,” the statement reads.

Read more:

• The Black Keys & The Shins Musician Richard Swift Passes Away

Swift was admitted to hospital last month, which saw a Gofundme page launched to support his medical bills.

His family have now said during that time he was diagnosed with hepatitis and liver and kidney distress.

“Multiple hospitals worked to help stabilize him over the course of that month, but his body was unable to heal and, per his wishes and with his family’s consent, he was moved to hospice care.”

Swift was working on new music for a November release at the time of his passing, and his family has stated it might now be released sooner than that.