Mikey Clement, Frontman for Metal Band Valleys, Dies in Fatal Car Crash

Mikey Clement (pictured above, second from the right), the co-frontman for Clayton, N.C.-based progressive metal outfit Valleys, has died after being involved in a car accident on Friday, Feb. 5. He was 23 years old.

“Very early this morning, Mikey was the victim of a horrific car crash, one that took his life,” Clement’s bandmates wrote in a statement to their Facebook page. “Today, we lost more than just a band mate, we lost a brother, a son, a friend, an all around tremendous human being.”

Clement -- alongside guitarist R.J. Riggle, bassist Brandon Clement and drummer Robert Meikle -- founded Valleys in 2013. They released their debut Reborn EP the following year. Clement died just days before the band was expected to release their follow-up Experiment One: Asylum EP.

Valleys plan to continue on without Clement. In the wake of the singer’s death, they have canceled a show with Fleshgod Apocalypse in Fayetteville, N.C. That was scheduled to take place tomorrow. On Friday, Valley’s release show for Experiment One will go on as planned. It will serve as a tribute to Clement, with the band enlisting friends to contribute vocals throughout the evening.

Read the band’s complete statement below:

Many of you have heard and seen the news that we lost Mikey Clement. Very early this morning, Mikey was the victim of a horrific car crash, one that took his life. Today, we lost more than just a band mate, we lost a brother, a son, a friend, an all around tremendous human being. Everyone here in VALLEYS have been by each other side, and the sides of the Clement family all day. We have seen the outpour of support and love from all of our friends and fans, we thank you. All of your comments have been extremely touching and have helped us to stay strong in our time of need.

As of right now, we are going to cancel our February 10th concert with Fleshgod Apocalypse at The Rock Shop. All other dates and shows are still happening as planned. On February 12th, we will have our Experiment One: Asylum CD release party. This show will also be a big tribute show for Mikey. We need all of our fans and friends to come out and show love for not just VALLEYS but for Mikey. At this show, VALLEYS will be joined by many of our closest musical friends to part take in guest vocals on stage. We will announce all that later this week.

We will continue to move forward, that's what Mikey would want. We will see you at on February 12th
And to Mikey,In death, you will see the light. Keep that flame alive up there buddy. Till we meet again!

"This wasn't what I wanted it to be/I've fallen so graciously/ I need to feel it bleed/ I need an angel/ take me out of this misery"- Desperate Me by VALLEYS

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