David Roach has died. Just months after the Junkyard frontman publicly revealed his battle with an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma, his band announced the singer’s death on Instagram. Roach was 59.
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“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach, the band wrote alongside photos of the singer. “After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife.”
“He was a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer—but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother,” the post continued. “Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.”
David Roach’s Cancer Battle
Roach’s health woes first came to light in January when he revealed on social media that he was facing “a medical issue that I’ll be dealing with for at least a few more months.”
In the same post, Roach wrote that he’d be selling some to art in the days that followed to help with money while he was unable to work.
Shortly thereafter, the band revealed more about Roach’s health battle, writing that he was facing “an aggressive cancer diagnosis.
Two months later, the “Hollywood” singer launched a GoFundMe to raise money amid his treatment. It was on that page that Roach’s official diagnosis was revealed.
“David who is a friend to all is in the fight of his life battling aggressive squamous cell carcinoma affecting his head, neck, and throat,” the site read, adding that the singer required “around the clock care and supervision.”
“David’s fiancé Jennifer [Michael] has had to step away from traditional employment to become his full time care giver,” the site continued. “While they have applied for disability and full time caregivers assistance it is an extremely long waiting period to go through the processing and receive approval. This has put them in a dire situation.”
The diagnosis, the site read, was “a devastating blow for David especially after he finally found happiness, stability, and things were going well for him.”
“The financial strain from medical expenses and daily living costs is piling up,” the site read, “and he’s struggling to keep a roof over his head without any income while fighting this cancer.”
David Roach’s Final Months
In a June social media update, the band, which was formed in ’87 in Los Angeles, shared a photo of Roach in a hospital bed.
“After David’s ongoing fever and cough led us to the ER, we got results that have completely shattered our world,” the post read. “It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.”
“David is showing such incredible strength and resilience, and even in the midst of this darkness, he’s still managing to keep his sense of humor. It’s a reminder of how amazing he is,” the post continued. “But we know this journey ahead will be extremely tough, David made it clear he is not giving up hope and we’re going to need all of your love and prayers.”
Roach and Michael tied the knot less than a month later.
As for Roach’s career, while Junkyard split up in 1992, they reformed in 1999. Their latest LP, High Water, came out in 2017.
Photo by John Atashian/Getty Images
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