Jay Jay Phillips, the heavy-metal keyboardist who rocked America’s Got Talent judges like a hurricane in 2017, has died, his band announced on its Instagram page. He was aged 30, and reportedly succumbed, unvaccinated, from Covid.
“It is with great sadness we inform you all of the loss of our bandmate/brother/and friend @jayjayrocks,” read the band’s statement.
“It still doesn’t feel real and we would give anything to change it. Please respect the family, as well as our wishes as we take our time to grieve and process this detrimental loss.”
According to TMZ, Jay Jay Phillips was said to have been battling the disease at home Thanksgiving week. His family and friends were continuously checking in with him over the phone, and he took a turn for the worse the day before the holiday.
Jay Jay’s family urged him to go to the hospital, but he just told them he needed more sleep and that was the last time they heard from him.
TMZ also reported that the girlfriend and mom to Jay Jay Phillips, went to check on him Thanksgiving Day and found him dead. The family member had said that Phillips was not vaccinated, but just before he got sick had started to tell people he planned on getting the shot soon.
Phillips’ dad, who he lived with, is currently hospitalized and fighting for his life on a ventilator.
Jay Jay Phillips first made an appearance on season 4 of the talent competition, but was eliminated early. He came back during season 12, but was eliminated in the judge cuts just before the quarterfinals.