Richard Swift death: The Black Keys musician dies aged 41

His death sparked a flurry of online tributes to the musician and singer-songwriter

Mr Swift as in bands like The Black Keys and The Shins (Wade Payne/Invision/AP)

Richard Swift, the bassist for The Black Keys and a former member of The Shins has died at age 41.

His death was confirmed in a Facebook post, which read: "And all the angels sing 'Que Sera Sera' Richard Ochoa Swift March 16, 1977 - July 3, 2018".

Mr Swift was admitted into a hospital last month with an undisclosed and life threatening illness.

Following his death, fellow musicians began celebrating Mr Swift's life with tributes posted online.

That included one from Dan Auerbach, Mr Swift's counterpart with The Black Keys, who posted a photo of the pair on Instagram.

"Today the world lost one of the most talented musicians I know," Mr Auerbach wrote. "He's now with his Mom and Sister. I will miss you my friend".

 

Today the world lost one of the most talented musicians I know. He’s now with his Mom and Sister. I will miss you my friend.

A post shared by Easy Eye Sound (@easyeyesound) on Jul 3, 2018 at 6:38am PDT

Mr Auerbach was joined by Nathan Followill, of the band Kings of Leon in celebrating Mr Swift

"Richard Swift was @JessieBaylin musical soul mate and could not have been a kinder soul," Mr Followill wrote, referring to his wife Jessie Baylin. "There will always be a special place in our hearts and memories for the one and only Walt Wolfman. RIP Swifty".

Other tributes came from Dave Depper, a member of Death Cab for Cutie, and from the band The Weeks.

Mr Swift was born in California, and was a self-taught musician and producer who went on to have a prolific career in music.

He first gained prominence playing drums for The Shins, a band he was a part of from 2011 to 2016. He also toured with The Black Keys as a bassist.

He worked as a producer with bands and acts such as Foxygen and Sharon Van Etten, among others.

He also had a solo career, and released his last full solo album in 2009.