Autopsy Planned for Former Wilco Member

Jay Bennett, the songwriter and mult-instrumentalist of the Chicago-based rock band Wilco, died in his sleep Sunday.

Lead singer Jeff Tweedy says he's "deeply saddened" by the death of his former band member.

Bennett  was found dead early Sunday in his Urbana home. He was 45.

An autopsy for Bennett is scheduled for later today to determine a cause of death.

Tweedy said in a statement Monday that Bennett made "significant contributions" to Wilco's songs and the band's evolution. Tweedy said Bennett would be remembered "as a truly unique and gifted human being."

 

Bennett was a member of the band from 1994 to 2001 and was known for his tumultuous relationship with Tweedy. His split with the band was detailed in the documentary "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart." 

Earlier this month, Bennett filed a lawsuit against Tweedy over royalty money during the seven years he was with the group.
  
At the center of the breach-of-contract lawsuit was how much compensation Bennett deserved from the 2002 Wilco documentary  that followed the making of the band's album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot."

"It's like breaking up with a girlfriend, Bennett told Tribune critic Greg Kot at the time.

"At first it really hurts, but you realize once your ego heals that it was the right thing to do."

After leaving Wilco, Bennett released four solo albums and worked with several other artists. 

An autopsy was planned for Tuesday by the Champaign County Coroner.
 

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