In a terrible tragedy, Early Graves/ex-Apiary vocalist Mahk Daniels was killed in a van accident early this morning. South Oregon’s Mail Tribune has been providing updates on the situation. Early Graves and The Funeral Pyre were en route to a show in Reno, Nevada when the van’s driver fell asleep and lost control behind the wheel and crashed the van on the highway. Two others (including the driver) reported were rushed to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Ironclad Recordings confirmed his passing, saying “an official statement will be released in time, but for now our thoughts are with Makh’s family, friends and band mates during this terrible time.” Oregon TV station KTVL has posted pictures (including the one used in this post) online.

It’s extremely sad that such a good band on their way up (their sophomore album, Goner, had just been released in June) has had such an awful tragedy occur to them. But it’s not like there’s an easy solution for something like this. As long as bands have to tour, there will be accidents like this one. Needless to say, if you’re in a band and driving to a gig, if you’re tired, pull over. Our thoughts are with everyone involved.