Jay Weaver obit

Big Daddy Weave bassist Jay Weaver dies, age 42, due to complications with COVID-19

 

He was not on the list.

On Sunday evening, Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver announced the death of his younger brother and bandmate Jason 'Jay' Weaver, at age 42, due to complications with COVID-19.

'I'm so sorry to bring this news, but I'm also excited to celebrate where he is right now. My brother, Jay, went to be with Jesus just a couple hours ago,' the 45-year-old Christian crooner revealed on the band's Instagram account.

'You guys have seen him walk the uphill battle and you guys have helped carry him through so much. And man, I'm telling you, the Lord used him in such a mighty way out on the road for so many years.

And anybody's who's come in contact with him, man, just knows how real his faith in Jesus was. I believe that even though COVID may have taken his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him. I know that he's seeing things now that I long to see. My heart's broke.'

The bass player spent six days in the hospital battling the 'awful virus' and Mike told fans their 'prayers for healing can turn into prayers of thanksgiving now that Jay is in God's presence.'

Jay received condolences from American Idol #8 alum Danny Gokey, the Gospel Music Association, Steven Curtis Chapman, Phil Wickham, Irish band We Are Messengers, and MercyMe frontman Bart Millard.

Weaver suffered from many health problems including diabetes and a disease which lead to the amputation of both his feet in 2016, and he took a hiatus from the band in August after landing in the ICU.

The Florida musician is survived by his wife Emily and their three children - Makenzie, Madison, and Nathan.

Tragically, Jay passed away 11 days shy of the couple's 12th wedding anniversary on January 13.

Back in 2019, Emily tearfully shared a Facebook video of Weaver standing up while performing two songs with his band: 'Jay is an amazing man. His faith and confidence encourage me.'

The This Is What We Live For rocker co-founded Big Daddy Weave in 1998 with his brother and University of Mobile buddies Joe Shirk, Jeremy Redmon, and Brian Beihl.

The contemporary Christian band has released eight studio album and landed three top 20 hits on the US Christian music chart.

Big Daddy Weave is next scheduled to perform January 24 on the K-Love Cruise in Florida before kicking off their 26-date All Things New Tour on February 8 in Arkansas.