Former Wilco member Jay Bennett dead at 45

Jay Bennett, the former Wilco member whose contentious relationship with Jeff Tweedy was both a source of great musical ferment during the Being There/Summerteeth days and formed the dramatic center for the documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, died Sunday in Urbana, Ill. He was 45.

Cause of death is not yet known. Bennett had sued Wilco earlier this month for breach of contract. Jeff Tweedy released the following statement on Wilco’s site:

We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him — as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band’s songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time.