Tragedy: Top US violinist, 49, is killed in road crash

Tragedy: Top US violinist, 49, is killed in road crash

News

norman lebrecht

January 28, 2022

The American soloist and improvisation violinist Alexander Paul DePue has died in a road crash in Mexico, his family have announced:

‘It is with extreme sadness that we must report to you all that our second born brother, Alexander Paul DePue, passed away from an automobile accident early this morning in Mexico. He was 49. He was certainly the ‘rock star’ of our family and he lived life to the fullest by the day, the way he wanted to live it. He was his own boss, and we’ve always respected him for that. So, please keep him and his newly-wed wife, Aria Cruzan DePue in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.’

Alex, who lived in southern California, studied music at Bowling Green State University, where his father taught composition. He took up the violin and fiddle, playing multiple styles, eventually forming the DePue Brothers Band with Wallace, Jason and Zachary DePue, playing ‘grassical’ – roots, rock and classical.

The picture is from his wedding, in August 2021.

Our sympathies go out to the family DePue.

UPDATE: Concertmaster Zachary DePue writes: By now you all know, my brother Alex had a heart attack while driving home late Wednesday night/Thursday morning and died in a fatal car accident in Mexico.

He was the coolest older brother a guy could ask for. An inspiration both on and off the concert stage.
Words are hard right now, but all of your messages and posts have meant the world to me. It’s a devastating blow to our family. Our black sheep is gone too soon.

Comments

  • Sonja says:

    This is devastating news for the family and the music world. I grew up playing in orchestra and ensembles with the Depue brothers and am from the same town, and they were legendary for their talent at a young age. I hope Alex will be immortalized through his music!

  • Gerry Feinsteen says:

    What a tragedy. So sorry for him, and his loved ones. This is the video of his that first caught my attention many years ago of his immense talent: https://youtu.be/gyyqIxq02fk

  • Larry says:

    Very sad indeed. Brother Zach is also a concertmaster and was a founding member of Time For Three.

  • JEFFREY LEVIN says:

    An amazing talent and human being. My heart goes out to his bride, his family, friends, and fans. Alex is irreplaceable. His contribution to music is without equal and his recordings and videos will be treasured forever. RIP

  • Frank says:

    I didn’t know Alex. From what I’ve seen and heard he was a phenomenal talent. RIP and best to all fam under the circumstances.

  • Alfred Savia says:

    So sorry to hear of Alex’s death Zach. While I never knew him, I know you and your brothers are all talented and very close. My condolences to you and your family.

  • Jill Weidner says:

    So very sorry to you and your family. He was the best fiddler ever.

  • Misty A Hannigan says:

    This has broken my heart. Having been a dear close friend of Alex’s since 1994 and seeing him play whenever he came around close to home. Have had the privilege of meeting all of the DePue brothers and Alex’s newlywed wife Aria. My heart is breaking for the whole family. Alex was one of my best friends and like a big brother to me. He will never be forgotten and will always live on in may heart and whenever I play any of his cds and the DePue brothers CD. A very talented and caring man. The world lost a great man when he passed. I will always love Alex and this family.

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