School Of Rock Drummer Kevin Clark Killed In Car Accident
via Access/YouTube
RIP
Kevin Clark, a Chicago musician best known for portraying Freddy “Spazzy McGee” Jones in the 2003 film School of Rock, passed away on Wednesday after he was struck by a driver while biking in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. He was 32 years old. His death was first reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Authorities said that he was struck by a Hyundai Sonata at 1:20 a.m.; paramedics arrived shortly and rushed him to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Almost an hour later at 2:04 a.m., Clark was pronounced dead. The 20-year old lady driver has not been arrested but was issued citations.
School of Rock star Jack Black wrote on Instagram, “Devastating news.”
“Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great memories. Heartbroken,” he continued. “Sending love to his family and the whole School of Rock community.”
Although Clark didn’t have any prior acting experience, he landed the School of Rock gig at 12 years old. According to his mother Allison Clark, he started playing drums at the age of two “hitting pots and pans in the basement.” Years later, the movie remains a cult favorite.
“He’s just a raw talent. He’s got a heart of gold,” Allison Clark added. “He just kind of shined. He took it on right away, but he never really acted afterward.”
After School of Rock, however, Clark decided not to continue acting and instead played as a drummer in bands around Chicago, and he also taught music.
