Friendly Fires trumpet player passes away

August 19th, 2011

Grant Trimboli

Friendly Fires announced that the band’s trumpet player, Richard Turner, who contributed to their live shows, has passed away.

Turner, 27, was swimming in an open air pool at Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill, South London, when he suffered from cardiac arrest last Thursday (August 11). Despite the best efforts of lifeguards and paramedics he died later at Kings College Hospital.

Announcing the tragic news on their website the band said:

“On Friday we learnt of the sudden passing of Richard Turner. Rich played trumpet in our live gigs on and off for three years. He was an utterly exceptional musician and his contributions to our shows will be hugely missed. He was also an accomplished and admired composer.”

They also posted a composition from Turner’s own band, Round Trip.

Turner’s best friend, Eddy Hackett, told the London Evening Standard:

Richard is a very strong swimmer and the lifeguards could see something was wrong. They immediately pulled him out of the water and did their best to save his life. Three ambulances arrived within four minutes and they did everything they could.

Andy Turner, Richard’s brother, added:

I last saw my brother the Monday before he died. We had just had an amazing weekend swimming in the sea in Dorset. Rich was a really sociable guy and an amazing musician. Everyone was just bowled over by his talent.

Remembering the talent musician fondly Friendly fires went on to say:

On tour he was much envied for his ability to fall asleep at will however uncomfortable the bus, plane, car or train. RIP to an unbelievable musician and friend.

Our thoughts go out to the members of Friendly Fires and the family and friends of Richard Turner.