Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder Paul O'Neill has died, the band announced Wednesday. He was 61.
"The entire Trans-Siberian Orchestra family, past and present, is heartbroken to share the devastating news that Paul O'Neill has passed away from chronic illness," the band said in a message on its website and Facebook page. "He was our friend and our leader – a truly creative spirit and an altruistic soul. This is a profound and indescribable loss for us all."
The band asked that fans respect the privacy of O'Neill's family and said it "will make additional announcements shortly."
Fans flocked to social media to share stories about O'Neill.
