Todd Nance, founding member of Widespread Panic, dies at 57

Todd Nance, a founding member of the rock band Widespread Panic, has died. He was 57.

According to a Nance family statement posted to the band’s website and social media pages, the drummer died Wednesday morning in Athens, Georgia, “from sudden and unexpectedly severe complications of a chronic illness.”

The family said no services are currently planned, but information will be announced later about how to honor Nance’s life.

“The Nance family appreciates the love and support of all and requests that their privacy be honored during this hard time,” the family concluded.

According to an accompanying statement from his “Widespread Panic Family,” the band was born the night of Nance’s first show.

The statement recalled how Nance and fellow Widespread Panic member Michael Houser played music together as teenagers. Years later, when Houser and his band found themselves in need of a drummer for a gig, Houser tracked down Nance and asked him to join. Nance agreed.

“For thirty years Todd was the engine of the Widespread Panic,” read the statement. ”He wrote great songs, and was a giving and forgiving collaborator. T Man was the epitome of a ‘team player.’ Drove the Band and drove the van.”

In 2014, Nance took a hiatus from Widespread Panic due to undisclosed personal reasons. He briefly reunited with the band for performances in 2016, but it was announced shortly afterward that Nance would leave Widespread Panic permanently.

USA TODAY has reached out to a rep for Widespread Panic for further comment.

Cody Dickinson of the band North Mississippi Allstars paid tribute to Nance on Instagram Wednesday.