Singer-songwriter Ben Kweller is speaking out following the death of his 16-year-old son Dorian.
Grammy-nominated record label The Noise Company announced on Facebook that Dorian, an aspiring musician, died Monday night in a “tragic event.” Variety reported that the teenager died in a car accident.
Kweller expressed her grief in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday.
“I have no way to write it, but I am… Our son, Dorian Zev Kweller, was killed last night,” she wrote. “He was only 16 years old and he was a true legend. Best and kindest soul, a friend to all. If you met him, you know him. We will never get over it while we are here on earth.”
The Austin, Texas artist praised his son’s musical ability, calling him “a real poet from the day he started talking.” He noted that Dorian, who has released music under the middle name Zev, was preparing to perform at the South by Southwest festival later this month.
“My child was at the starting line with so much life ahead of him…I have no idea why things like this happen,” Kweller said. “We are completely shocked and don’t know what the future holds.”
Kweller and his wife, Liz, are also parents to a 12-year-old son, Judah.
Originally from San Francisco, Kweller began his recording career as a teenager as a member of the post-grunge band Raditz. In 2002 he released “Sha Sha”, his debut album as a solo artist. His fifth studio album, Go Fly a Kite received a 2013 Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package.
In recent years, Kweller has toured with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Death Cab for Cutie. His most recent album, Circuit Boredom, was released in 2020.
By Wednesday afternoon, Kweller’s post had drawn condolences from several of his famous friends, including actor Tommy Dorfman and Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney.
“A broken heart,” wrote songwriter Pete Yorn. “I can’t even fathom this. My deepest condolences to you and your family.”
