Singer Mojo Nixon Found Dead at 66 While on Country Music Cruise: Was His Cause of Death Health-Related?

Mojo Nixon was found dead while onboard the annual Outlaw Country Cruise, multiple media outlets reported.

The "Elvis Is Everywhere" hitmaker, born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr., died on Wednesday, February 7, at the age of 66. Per reports, Nixon performed a show on the cruise, where he was serving as a co-host and performer, before his passing.

What Was Mojo Nixon's Cause of Death?

As quoted by Variety, Nixon's family confirmed that the performer was found dead a few hours after he performed for the last time. The cause was a "cardiac event."

The bereaved loved ones delivered the saddening news on Facebook, sharing a photo of Nixon smiling brightly.

"Passing after a blazing show, a raging night, closing the bar, taking no prisoners + a good breakfast with bandmates and friends. A cardiac event on the Outlaw Country Cruise is about right... & that's just how he did it," the caption read. "Mojo has left the building. Since Elvis is everywhere, we know he was waiting for him in the alley out back. Heaven help us all."

In an email to Washington Post, bassist Matt Eskey said Nixon was asleep when he suffered from the emergency health issue. They were reportedly docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the time.

Fans wrote heartfelt messages in the comments section as they expressed how devastated they felt upon hearing the news.

One said, "San Diego thanks you for creating part of our culture and history. Forever part of our zeitgeist."

Another wrote, "From Outlaw Country to the Nascar Channel, Mojo was one of a kind. Still talked about his hometown of Danville VA often. He will be missed."

"Absolutely gutted. Had the privilege of seeing him a few times and talk to him. Absolutely wonderful human being. The world lost a legend today," a third added.

"I had been more of a classic rock / heavy metal kid growing up, but my freshman year in college I saw Mojo and the Dead Milkmen," another Facebook user commented. "I haven't been the same ever since. He was a legend and will be missed."

Mojo Nixon's Career Explored

Nixon's musical journey started when Country Dick Montana's pre-Beat Farmers band, the Snuggle Bunnies, reportedly adopted him "as a pet" and "like their adult nephew."

He then collaborated with Richard Banke and won the Battle of the Bands contest in San Diego before their work with Enigma Records.

In 1985, they officially debuted with "Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper," though Nixon's biggest hit came with the "Bo-Day-Shus" album in 1987, which contained the track "Elvis Is Everywhere."