_Christopher Andrew via Riot Fest_

Sean P. McKeough, a Chicago music staple who co-founded Riot Fest and was the owner of Cobra Lounge, has died at the age of 42, the festival’s website announced today. The cause of death has not been officially identified.

McKeough’s Riot Fest partner, Michael Petryshyn, released a statement on his death, saying, “Sean was Riot Fest’s pillar of strength. I loved him. I admired him. And to lose him is a lonely and barren feeling. I miss my friend immensely. Without Sean and his belief that a little fest could make a positive impact on people’s lives by doing things differently and left of the dial, Riot Fest would have never become such an intimate family. His Herculean-sized heart and volition made that all possible. Anyone lucky enough to have witnessed his kindness and compassion knows Sean’s muddy work boots will never be filled. It’s impossible…he cared when no one else did. He worked when no one else did. And, he believed in Riot Fest when no one else did.”

McKeough’s Cobra Lounge also posted a statement to their Facebook page, saying, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we are forced to mourn the loss of our champion. It was his vision, drive, ethics and talent that laid the foundation on which an entire culture has grown and developed. That foundation has defined us as individuals in so many ways. We will always be in his debt for creating an environment that allows us to be unapologetically ourselves. His legacy does not end here. He is now legend. We will do our best to carry his torch and push the dream forward. With infinite love and gratitude, we say goodbye to a friend, mentor and brother. May the angels lead him into paradise. R.I.P., Sean Mckeough.”

Chicago-based Riot Fest began in 2005 and eventually began to expand its reach, opening up a satellite festival in Denver this year and featuring the long-awaited reunion of the original Misfits with frontman Glenn Danzig.