James Casey Obituary – Death: Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) Saxophonist and Keyboardist, James Casey Died from Colon Cancer

James Casey Obituary – Death: Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) Saxophonist and Keyboardist, James Casey Died from Colon Cancer

James Casey Obituary: James Casey, a renowned saxophonist and pianist who performed with groups including Lettuce, Phish, and the Trey Anastasio Band (TAB), passed away at the age of 40. According to claims from his family and musical partners, Casey died after a fight with colon cancer.

The talented musician passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, according to a family representative. After a valiant battle with cancer, his mother, Gina René Miles Casey, and wife, Ayla Cobb Casey, were by his side when he passed away.

After having emergency surgery to remove a tumour in 2021, Casey initially disclosed his stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis. Just over a year after beginning aggressive chemotherapy, the illness ultimately took his life.

The loss of Casey’s extraordinary talent and spiritual presence is deeply felt in the musical community. Artists who have collaborated with Casey over the years are remembering him and expressing their sympathies.

Cancer Diagnosis Came as Surprise in 2021

James Casey’s colon cancer diagnosis came as a shock in 2021 at just 39 years old. He first noticed symptoms after a July show in Colorado with Bill Kreutzmann’s band Billy & The Kids.

The saxophonist underwent emergency surgery to remove a large tumour from his colon. Doctors diagnosed stage 3 colorectal cancer, meaning the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes but not yet to other organs.

Casey spent over a week recovering in the hospital before beginning chemotherapy treatment. He documented his cancer battle in a short film titled “Music As Medicine.”

The intense chemo sessions forced him to withdraw from tours with the Trey Anastasio Band and other groups in 2021 and early 2022. But Casey made inspiring returns to the stage when his health allowed.