When Vic Chesnutt died Christmas day he left behind those who loved him for his talent and supported him through his disability. Although confined to a wheelchair since the age of 18, Chesnutt was an able performer, but struggled for years with severe depression.
Like many who suffer with the crippling disease, Chesnutt relied on several vices to see him through the days. Drugs, alcohol and a wicked sense of humor all played prominently throughout his life. But it was in the sweetness of his humor-tinged lyrics where Chesnutt could shake off the bitterness life was presenting to him.
On December 25th in the Athens Regional Medical Center, Chesnutt passed away, leaving behind a debt of over $70,000 dollars in medical bills. A debt his family is now responsible for.
In a recent interview with the LA Times, Chesnutt spoke about his mounting debts and how his health insurance was not covering his basic needs.
"I was making payments, but I can't anymore and I really have no idea what I'm going to do. It seems absurd they can charge this much. When I think about all this, it gets me so furious. I could die tomorrow because of other operations I need that I can't afford."
Family friend and filmmaker Jem Cohen, who worked with Chesnutt on the film “The Foxx and Little Vic” and produced his 2007 album "North Star Deserter,” had this prepared statement on the Constellation Records website, “The most important story to report now is not Vic’s death, but a life and work overflowing with insight, humor, and yes, resilience.
“This, after all, was the man who wrote: ‘I thought I had a calling, anyway, I just kept dialing.’ Sixteen extraordinary albums, five in the last couple of years; countless live shows so powerful and sublime they deeply altered the lives of those on the stage with Vic and those looking up, yes up, at him.
“The second most important story here has to do with a broken health care system depriving so many of the help they need to stay around and stay sane, and a society that never balks at providing more money for more wars, but fights tooth and nail against decent care for its citizens. Vic’s death, just so you all know, did not come at the end of some cliché downward spiral. He was battling deep depression, but also at the peak of his powers, and with the help of friends and family, he was in the middle of a desperate search for help. The system failed to provide it. I miss him terribly,” Cohen said.
A memorial service will be held at Bridges Funeral Home, 3035 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA, 30606 on Sunday, December 27, from 3:00-6:00 pm. Following the memorial service, family and friends invite you to join them at Cine, 234 West Hancock Ave., Athens, GA.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA, 30309 or Nuci’s Space, 396 Oconee Street, Athens, GA 30601.
A tribute at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, will be held some time in the near future. A private interment ceremony will be held later in Pike County, Zebulon, GA.
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