Ben Kweller has announced the death of his 16-year-old son, Dorian Zev Kweller. UPDATE: Liz Kweller, Ben’s wife and Dorian’s mom, later revealed her son was killed in a car accident.
“There’s no way that I can be typing this but I am…. Our son, Dorian Zev Kweller, was killed last night,” Ben Kweller wrote in statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday (February 28th). “He was only 16 and he was a true legend. Kindest, gentle soul, a friend to all. If you knew him, you know. We’ll never get over him as long as we’re here on earth. Please keep his spirit alive with your memories and the music he made: @reallyzev.”
Taking after his father, Dorian Zev was an aspiring musician, who released a handful of songs under the name ZEV.
“Dorian Zev wrote and recorded songs every day,” his father’s statement continued. “A true poet from the day he started speaking. Only a few of his recordings were released but he was on a path and excited about his journey. He had so many plans!!! His first gig was in two weeks, at SXSW. My last text with him was about the merch he wanted to make. My baby boy was at the starting line with so much life ahead of him… I have no idea why things like this happen. We’re in complete shock and don’t know what the future holds. Lizzy, Judah, and I have no idea how to deal with this disaster. Thank you for your prayers and support and we apologize if we are slow to respond to messages.”
In a separate statement posted to social media (via the Los Angeles Times), Liz Kweller shared more details about her son’s death, writing that he swerved to avoid a truck in his lane and was killed when a tree limb came through his windshield.
“I’m in a state of shock and don’t know what to do or say. These words don’t sound real but we lost Dorian last night in a blink of an eye,” she added. “I’m losing my mind and don’t know when I will ever be OK again. Please send our family as much positive energy. We are living in a nightmare and completely lost right now. I just want my baby boy back.”
Dorian Zev was the eldest son of Ben Kweller and his wife, Liz. He is survived by his parents and his younger brother, Judah.
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