Beloved Bassist of 90s Alternative Rock Band Dead at 50 After Suffering Stroke

Justin Cary, the bassist in the band Sixpence None the Richer, has died at the age of 50.

This news comes after Cary suffered a stroke on Thursday, June 11, and was hospitalized in the ICU. He died a week later on Thursday, June 18.

The band's lead singer Leigh Nash announced the news in an Instagram post.

"‘We sure had a great time' is an understatement. Thank you, Justin. We love you forever. Please keep his dear Linda close to your hearts. She is our family. There's never been anybody like Justin. 🙏🏻," the post read.

Fans paid tribute to the bassist, leaving comments on the post.

"He brightened a room whenever he walked in. He will be missed. My sincere condolences 💔," one person wrote.

"So heartbreaking 💔🙏🏽 praying for you all," another person posted.

"This is so heartbreaking. For fans and moreso for family and friends. Thoughts and love to everyone 💜," a fan said.

"💔💔💔I'm so sad to see this news. My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends," another fan shared.

"There are no words. My heart goes out to you all. He was a true gem of a human. So kind, generous, funny, talented… 💔 Sending love and support," one fan expressed.

A GoFundMe was also set up to help Cary's wife, Linda, after he had two surgeries following the stroke. As of June 19 at 12 p.m., the page had raised over $38,000, with a goal of $40K.

Sixpence None the Richer was formed in 1992, but Cary joined in 1997. Throughout his career, he's appeared on shows including The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Ellen, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Days of Our Lives, and more. Songs he played on have also been in shows and films, including One Tree Hill, A View From the Top, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 9:08 AM.