Sad news today--talented singer/songwriter Vic Chesnutt has died, the victim of suicide. For those unfamiliar with him, here's a synopsis: A car crash at the age of 18 left him paralysed and wheelchair-ridden, yet he still managed to perform live and record 13 albums, produced by such luminaries as REM's Michael Stipe and famed Brian Wilson-collaborator Van Dyke Parks.
i cannot say for sure, but it is quite possible that he despaired of ever being able to pay off his $50,000 medical debt and decided to end it all rather than face a long and humiliating court trial.
(Chesnutt) told Spinner.com earlier this year that "right now, I am in huge trouble in that the hospital is suing me for $35,000 for payment, which is terrifying -- and the rub is that I have health insurance." His heath care debt reportedly totaled more than $50,000 and his struggles with suicide and substance abuse have been well documented.
Chesnutt leaves us with a catalog of 13 studio albums, including this year's critically acclaimed 'At the Cut,' which he was recently out on the road supporting. In a live review of one of those shows, the New York Times noted that Chesnutt's songs were contemplations on "not just mortality but also the broader inevitability of collapse and decay."
On the very day that the Senate passed its watered-down Health Care Reform Bill, Vic Chesnutt decided to end it all, taking an overdose of muscle relaxants and leaving behind a note. For anyone who has enjoyed his music, this is a very sad Christmas.
I wish I could say that Vic Chesnutt is the final victim of the current American health care "system", but the battle ahead of us is far from over.
If you ever want to check out his music, his catalogue of albums is beautiful and impressive. For Leonard Cohen fans in particular, I recommend his album arranged by Van Dyke Parks, "Ghetto Bells" as a starting point.
R.I.P. Vic.
I never met you, but it saddens me greatly that our great nation did not have a program in place to help you through your darkest hours.
To his friends and family, I (and I hope others here also) offer heartfelt condolences.
We have unfinished business here, folks. Let's get the current HC bill fixed and passed. Do it for Vic.
And Ted.
As well as for everyone else you know who needs medical help and cannot receive any because of the current system.
Peace be with you.