Tom Stephen, drummer in The Jeff Healey Band and manager of Jeff Healey, passed away on Feb. 20, 2023, of cardiac arrest. He was 68.

"It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Tom Stephen this past Monday. His passing at age 68 of cardiac arrest was sudden and unexpected and his family is grieving mightily. There will be announcements in the coming days regarding a celebration of a life very well lived," reads a statement from Stephen's family. "Meanwhile, his family would like to take the next few days to mourn in private and ask that you respect their wishes.”

Stephen was born and raised in New Brunswick and began making a name for himself in the Toronto music scene in the early '80s. Stephen's bandmate Joe Rockman, bassist of The Jeff Healey Band, posted a message on Facebook saying "My personal relationship with Tom began in 1984, jamming and hanging out in local Toronto clubs one year prior to the formation of the Jeff Healey Band. So, in a way, the Healey Band started even before Jeff. Tom was a pivotal figure and co-founder in the Jeff Healey Band Partnership, along with Jeff and me. That partnership launched the Band, but also launched many other artists' careers, and helped launch the careers of many people associated with us."

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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