Chadd Thomas, leader of Austin rockabilly band Chadd Thomas and the Crazy Kings, was found dead Monday morning in South Austin. Although details are sketchy, rumors indicate his death was the result of a homicide, but the Austin Police Department is cautious at this point. “Right now, all we have is a deceased person,” APD Sgt. Keith Bazzle told Austin’s KVUE.
“Thomas, 38, was struck by a car following an altercation after his band’s show at The Aviary Decor in Austin Saturday night, and refused his friends’ efforts to take him to the hospital,” reported the Houston Press, citing a Houston musician who wanted to remain anonymous.
In San Antonio, news of Thomas’ death was quickly passed along on Twitter by several venues, including The Mix and Sam’s Burger Joint.
“Everyone at Sam’s Burger Joint Music Hall was very sad to learn about the death of Chadd Thomas,” said Keith Howerton, Sam’s entertainment director and partner, in a written statement sent to the Current. “Chadd was a rockabilly standard at Sam’s for the past six years. He played our venue 37 times in those years and helped define Sam’s rockabilly and swing scene. We loved him very much and we will miss him, as will his fans here in San Antonio.”
UPDATE (1pm, 7/13/11): According to an official release from the Austin Police Department, officers responded to a call and found Thomas' body in the grass by the sidewalk of 2602 S. Congress. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Mr. Thomas’s body was transported to the Medical Examiner where an autopsy was conducted," the press release says. "Blunt force trauma has been determined to be the cause of death. Mr. Thomas’s death has been ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner." The case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information should call the Homicide tip line at (512) 477-3588, Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS, or text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES. Anybody who provides information leading to an arrest or charges being filed will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
