Multi-instrumentalist Evan Farrell passed away from smoke inhalation after a space heater in the Oakland apartment he was staying in caught on fire last week. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, Evan had flown to the Bay Area to play with his band Japonize Elephants, who are based in San Francisco/Oakland and originated in Bloomington. Evan also played bass, keys, and vocals for Rogue Wave up until early this year, touring with them in 2005 and recording on their 2006 album Descended Like Vultures. Evan was also in Bloomington band The Hollows and is survived by his wife and two sons.

Donations for Evan's family are being accepted through Paypal. Our hearts go out to Evan's family and friends.

Photo by Nathan Walls, using a Creative Commons license