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Update: Pink Martini Band Member’s Death Ruled A Suicide
Police say the longtime percussionist for Portland, Oregon, band Pink Martini has been found dead.
A police spokesman said Friday that the Oregon State medical examiner’s office has determined that 43-year-old Derek Rieth died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The death has been ruled a suicide.
Officers found Rieth’s body Wednesday night when they conducted a welfare check on behalf of someone who was concerned after not hearing from him for several hours. Sgt. Pete Simpson says a shotgun was found and taken as evidence.
Photo: Facebook.com/PinkMartini
The Oregonian reports that Rieth was a founding member of Pink Martini, playing everything from bongos to finger cymbals.