Memorial Fund Established for Late Black Tusk Bassist Jonathan Athon

Following the tragic death of Black Tusk bassist Jonathan Athon, the band has created a memorial fund in his honor. The fund will be used to help pay for medical expenses for two of Athon’s friends in need and his girlfriend Emily, who was seriously injured in the motorcycle accident that took the bassist’s life on Nov. 7 in Savannah, Ga.

The remaining members of Black Tusk issued a statement today thanking fans for their support. They noted that Athon was a “giving person” and asked fans for financial support to take care of Emily, who faces a long recovery, and Athon’s two friend’s Jason Statts, who is paralyzed from a gunshot wound and Keith Kozel, who has degenerative kidney disease and is in need dire of a transplant.

Here is the complete statement from the remaining members of Black Tusk.

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 paralyzed 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. We have set up a PayPal at AthonFund@gmail.com if you care to donate.

Thank you. TCBT forever.

Jonathan Athon was remembered in a memorial ceremony in Savannah on Saturday, Nov. 15.

We’d like to send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and bandmates of Jonathan Athon during this difficult time.

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