Musician Alex “The Fiddler” DePue, who entertained local listeners from the time he was a child, died early this morning in a car crash in Mexico, according to a statement posted on the Depue Brothers Facebook page.
“It is with extreme sadness that we must report to you all that our second born brother, Alexander Paul DePue, passed away from an automobile accident early this morning in Mexico. He was 49. He was certainly the ‘rock star’ of our family and he lived life to the fullest by the day, the way he wanted to live it. He was his own boss, and we’ve always respected him for that. So, please keep him and his newly wed wife, Aria Cruzan DePue in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.”
DePue lived in Southern California.
DePue began his classical violin training at Bowling Green State University, where his father taught composition.
While continuing his classical training, he early on developed an interest in fiddling, and as his career progressed, he won numerous fiddling championships.
He performed with the Michigan-based country band Most Wanted, which played he Main Stage of the Black Swamp Arts Festival in 1995 and 1996. The DePue Brothers performed as strolling musicians at the first BSAF in 1993.
He later toured with rock legend Steve Vai and country star Chris Cagle. DePue also formed a duo with Mexican guitarist, Miguel De Hoyos.
He continued to perform with the DePue Brothers Band, which played a music they termed “grassical,” a blend of classical, bluegrass, rock, and swing. The DePue Brothers Band harks back to performances he and his brothers, Wallace Jr., Jason, and Zachary DePue, gave throughout Northwest Ohio as youngsters.
A full obituary will be posted when available.
