Hepcat Member Greg Lee Dead at 53

Greg Lee, a co-vocalist in the Los Angeles ska group Hepcat, has died at the age of 53, multiple news outlets confirmed.

The Los Angeles Times and Consequence of Sound published reports confirming Lee's death. Both sites cited an Instagram post shared by his partner, Mandie Becker.

Greg Lee Dead at 53

According to Becker's Instagram update, Lee died in a hospital on March 19 at 1 p.m. She revealed that he suffered from a massive brain aneurysm and cardiac arrest on March 17 while at their Paramount home.

"I found him on the floor unconscious and not breathing," she disclosed. "I immediately called for 911 and the first responders were through the door within moments. They were able to regain his pulse, but he was not able to breathe on his own."

Becker continued, "He has been on life support in the NICU ever since and has not regained consciousness. The neurologist let us know his case is very rare and that the moment was swift. He did not suffer."

Lee's partner honored him as someone who "has touched the lives and hearts of so many people" through music and travel. She noted that his songs with Hepcat helped everyone during the depressing times of their lives.

Lee is survived by Becker, his four children (Elsa, Vivienne, Khaleah and their unborn baby girl due in September), his mother Janica, his sister Jennifer and his brothers (Michael, Steve and Tony). Details about his memorial and funeral will reportedly be announced at a later date.

Their friends, colleagues and fans left heartfelt messages in the comments section while others took their heartbreak on X.

One said, "Although my heart is broken for you and his family, I am going to raise my glass later to celebrate an amazing musician I have idolized since high school. Nobody could throw it down like Mr Greg Lee. Your band family will be here for you my friend. There are no words ..... we are gathering at my house later at 8pm to just be together. Our deepest condolences."

Remembering Greg Lee's Legacy

Lee was one of the Hepcat's original members when the group was formed in the 1980s. The band released its first album, Out of Nowhere, in 1993, but its third LP, Right on Time, pushed them to the spotlight with its track "No Worries."

Outside Hepcat, Lee expanded his empire by performing with SoCal groups like the Aggrolites and Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra.

Lee died after the deaths of Hepcat's bassist David Fuentes in 2007 and guitarist Aaron Owens in 2012.