Tragedy struck yesterday when word broke that Kevin Clark, who played kid drummer Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones in the 2003 film School of Rock, was killed in a biking accident early Wednesday morning in Chicago. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Clark was hit and killed by a driver while cycling in the Avondale area. The 20-year-old woman involved in the accident was issued several citations by the police. Clark was 32.
Stricken with grief, Jack Black posted a touching tribute to the late actor and musician on Instagram, writing, "Devastating news. Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great memories. Heartbroken. Sending love to his family and the whole School of Rock community."
Despite doing a bang-up job with the role of Freddy in School of Rock, the Richard Linklater-directed comedy remains his only film role. Instead of pursuing a career in acting, Clark dedicated his time and talent to playing and teaching music. He began taking private lessons at age 5 and could also play guitar, piano, and violin. He had recently started a new band that performed live for the first time over the past weekend on the North Shore. He's belonged to several music projects in the past, including Dreadwolf, Funk it Let’s Jam, and Jess Bess & The Intentions. Fittingly enough, he also taught music at a School of Rock location in Libertyville, Chicago.
Kevin will be sorely missed by his family, friends, bandmates, and, of course, the School of Rock collective. May we all raise our goblets of rock and wish him peace in the Great Hereafter.
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