Ryan Plattsmier, longtime bassist for New Orleans-area indie-rockers The Public, has died. Plattsmier committed suicide yesterday at his home in Luling, according to a friend of the band. No other details were made available.
Ryan Plattsmier was 31.
Plattsmier joined The Public shortly after their formation in 2003, becoming the first and only bass player to perform with the group. Between 2003 and 2006, he appeared on both of The Public's record releases, We Are The Public and Saturn Missile Battery.
In 2006, The Public began writing material for their planned third release, No Love is Permanent. During this time, Plattsmier suffered a work-related accident which resulted in a severed finger, which was surgically reattached. Plattsmier's accident and subsequent recovery period led the band to take brief hiatus from recording and performing.
In 2007, The Public signed a deal with New York-based five03 Records, with plans to release finished version of No Love is Permanent in late 2008 or early 2009.
Plattsmier's last performance with The Public took place at The Dragon's Den in New Orleans on October 18th, 2008.
All scheduled upcoming performances by The Public should be considered canceled as the group privately mourns Ryan Plattsmier's passing.
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