Marbles for Eyes Guitarist Matthew Smith Dies After Ohio Gig

Marbles for Eyes guitarist and founding member Matthew Smith passed away suddenly early Sunday morning outside outside a bar in Youngstown, Ohio. He was 28.

The Ohio-based indie band Marbles for Eyes had just finished performing at 12:20AM when Smith complained of feeling ill and his bandmates took him outside for some fresh air, where he collapsed and lost consciousness. Arriving paramedics tried to resuscitate him before rushing him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post on the band's Facebook page reads:

Attention: This is serious. Singer-songwriter, son, brother, best friend and everything that we all wish we could be passed away this evening after performing. Please pray for his family. Thanks for all of your support.

The guitarist had a long history of heart problems, a spokesman for the coroner's office reports, and no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is forthcoming. Mara Simon, owner of the bar where the show took place, was working when Smith collapsed, reports the Youngstown paper the Vindicator. “He had been complaining earlier that night that he wasn’t feeling well, but he still wanted to go on with the show,” said Simon.

Based in Cambridge, Ohio, Marbles for Eyes formed in 2003 and had recorded their debut album, 'Watertowers Are the Devil,' in 2008. Their concert chronology includes shows in New York City, Pittsburgh and Louisville, Ky. They had recently begun work on their sophomore disc, 'Dead Language.'

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. "We appreciate everyone's support. We should know by 1 pm, this afternoon, the details on calling hours," reads another Facebook post.