Very sad news today, former Wilco member Jay Bennett, died in his sleep on Sunday night, he was only 45 years old. Although he hadn’t played with Wilco for several years, his influence lived on in the band’s greatest hits.

Born on November 15, 1963 he was an American guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, engineer, producer, and singer-songwriter. An original founding member of Titanic Love Affair, he joined Wilco in 1994. He left the band in 2001 over creative differences.

Bennett was a much sought after studio session player as well, having played on albums by Sheryl Crow, Allison Moorer, and Billy Joe Shaver, among many others.

The multitalented musician, who was a creative force with the Chicago-based alt-rockers from 1994 to 2001, died in his sleep Sunday night at his home in Urbana, Ill. He was 45. Friend and collaborator Edward Burch told the Chicago Sun-Times that an autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.

Bennett’s record label, Undertow Music Collective, confirmed his passing on its website. “We are profoundly saddened to report that our friend died in his sleep last night,” read the statement. “Jay was a beautiful human being who will be missed.”

Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy released this statement from Spain, where Wilco is currently touring:”We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him—as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band’s songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time.”

In May 2009, Bennett sued Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy for breach of contract stemming from his work for Wilco. The suit came less than two weeks after Bennett publicly revealed that he needed hip replacement surgery which he could not afford due to lack of health insurance.

Bennett lived in Urbana, Illinois, where he spent most of his time writing songs and recording in his private studio. He will be sadly missed.