Jay Bennett, a former member of Wilco whose exit from the band was chronicled in 2002's I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, passed away in his sleep early Sunday at the age of forty-five. Bennett played with the band during its evolution from alt-country to  experimental rock and roll, and received writing credits on Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Bennett's contentious departure from the band resurfaced earlier this month when he filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Jeff Tweedy for unpaid royalties. Tweedy was dismissive of the lawsuit when it was filed, but released the following statement upon hearing of Bennett's death:

"We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him -- as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band's songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time."

In recent years, Bennett released a string of solo albums to mixed reviews, though he showed flashes of the brillance that made him integral to Wilco's artistic evolution. At the time of his death, Bennett was living in Urbana and working on his fifth solo album. [Billboard]