On Wednesday morning, we learned that the Tragically Hip's Gord Downie died at 53. The news devastated Canadians worldwide.
Downie had glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer, which was discovered in December 2015. He died on Tuesday night surrounded by his children and family.
The Downie Family made a statement on social media the morning after passing:
Statement - pic.twitter.com/3quqCF4zah
— Gord Downie (@gorddownie) October 18, 2017
Canadians have been sending their love to the Hip's frontman and his family, sharing their sorrow, memories and kind words across social media channels.
Canada's identity & culture are richer for Gord Downie's work.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2017
I've asked that the Toronto sign be lit in red & white today to honour Gord Downie. The sign will be dimmed tonight at 11 p.m. to mourn this great Canadian. #TragicallyHip
— John Tory (@JohnTory) October 18, 2017
Thank you Gord. You'll never stop inspiring us.
— ARKELLS (@arkellsmusic) October 18, 2017
Husband, father, poet, activist, icon & fearless performer, Gord Downie, has passed. Thank you for inspiring so many w/ a life well-lived. 💔 pic.twitter.com/y1NrHae1Qy
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 18, 2017
Was at an airport with my kids while ago. My 5-year-old had a long, long casual chat with guy in a hat next to us. Like an hour, about nothing. A grown up talk. Where you going, who you gonna see, what will be best. As we left, realized it was Gord Downie.
— Steve Ladurantaye (@ladurantaye) October 18, 2017
Love you Gord. pic.twitter.com/x33Im5RNNL
— Billy Talent (@BillyTalentBand) October 18, 2017
Condolences to the family and friends of Canadian music icon Gord Downie, whose music and love for hockey will echo through arenas forever. pic.twitter.com/4cxlvsXdGe
— NHL (@NHL) October 18, 2017
“For a good life we just might have to weaken
— LibraryArchiveCanada (@LibraryArchives) October 18, 2017
And find somewhere to go
Go somewhere we’re needed”
RIP Gord Downie, 1964 - 2017 pic.twitter.com/ZwoXaEpKsH
Heartbroken today. Few Canadians touched this country like Gord Downie. Thank you for everything you gave us. My deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/00DdU6IVZn
— Doug Gilmour (@DougGilmour93) October 18, 2017
#RIP Gord Downie. You music spun in every locker room I've ever entered, and gave pride to every Canadian I've ever encountered. #WheatKingsOnRepeat pic.twitter.com/GA6b9pEQS3
— Matt Lashoff (@MattLashoff) October 18, 2017
RIP @gorddownie Thanks for the music.
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) October 18, 2017
Swift rebirth Gord Downie. 🙏🏽
— k.d. lang (@kdlang) October 18, 2017
Thank you for the music, kindness and perseverance. What an amazing human being. Love to your family. #GordDownie pic.twitter.com/gsI0CSQ1bY
— Randy Bachman (@RandysVinylTap) October 18, 2017
More to explore:
Watch it now: Gord Downie's Secret Path
Gord Downie - Person of the Year
26 Gord Downie quotes that will inspire you
The true, tragic and inspiring Canadian stories behind Gord Downie's best lyrics