DETROIT (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Tom Furtaw, an influential Michigan lawyer and the guitarist for the band Spitting Nickels, died onstage during an August 15th performance at the Renaissance Center. The Spitting Nickels had been opening for Blue Oyster Cult who were doing a free concert at the Center as a part of the Rockin' on the Riverfront series.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the 44-year-old Furtaw, who was married with three young children, was a former Wayne County assistant prosecutor and a former advisor to Michigan Attorney General Michael Cox.
Cox called Furtaw a "longtime friend" who "took seriously his calling as a public servant."
The cause of death was not immediately apparent and a Detroit Medical Examiner told the Associated Press that autopsy results were pending.
Memorial contributions may be made to the College Education Fund for Tom’s children and may be sent to the family in c/o of Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, P.O. Box 36248 Grosse Pointe, MI. 48236. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
