10:15AM | According to a representative for musician Jack White, coroners have confirmed that Isaiah “Ikey” Owens died of a heart attack Tuesday morning around 4AM. According to the latest statement, the only drug found in his hotel room in Mexico was a small amount of marijuana.
Long Beach Musician ‘Ikey’ Owens Found Dead in Mexico Hotel Room; Jack White Cancels Tour Due to Passing
October 13 | Isaiah “Ikey” Owens, Long Beach musician and Jack White’s touring keyboardist, was found dead in his Puebla, Mexico hotel room this morning, according to media reports.
Mexico’s Periodico Digital broke the news that Owens was found dead at about 10AM. Police reportedly found drugs and alcohol in Owens’s room in the Camino Real Hotel, but the exact cause of death is still under investigation. Owens was in Mexico while on tour with White supporting the latest album, Lazaretto.
Owens, who was 38 at the time of his death, began touring with White in 2012. Before that he was a member of the Mars Volta and Long Beach bands Free Moral Agents and Long Beach Dub All-Stars. Still active in the Long Beach music scene when he wasn’t on tour, he could often be found playing at local venues such as Que Sera.
“I’m speechless right now,” said Fingerprints owner Rand Foster. “Ikey worked at the shop for several years, so this is really close to home. I keep thinking of his family, friends, and bandmates. He was a good guy and we’re gonna miss him. He did endless work for the Long Beach music scene… I am still trying to get my head around this.”
Third Man Records, White’s record label, announced White’s remaining tour dates in Mexico would be canceled to respect Owens. They stated the following on their website:
“He will be missed and loved forever by his family, friends, bandmates and fans. We will all miss you, Ikey. You were and are an incredible artist.”