TV On The Radio announced Smith’s passing on its website today. Diagnosed with lung cancer only one month ago, Smith joined the band for the recording of the group’s 2008 album, Dear Science. The musician was not on the band’s current tour.

When announcing Smith’s cancer in March, band members were optimistic that he would pull through, posting on the band’s website that he had health insurance and was “receiving excellent medical care” resulting in “dramatic results.”

Unfortunately, fate had other plans. From TVOnTheRadio.com:

“We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly.”

The band has canceled five shows – April 20 at Detroit’s St. Andrews Hall; April 22 at Chicago’s Metro; April 23-24 at Minneapolis’ First Avenue and April 26 at Denver’s Ogden Theatre. Visit the band’s website for more information.