The synth pop group Depeche Mode has lost one of its founding members; keyboard player Andy Fletcher died May 26, 2022 at the age of 60. The band reports that Fletcher died of natural causes in his United Kingdom home.

In revealing the news, the band posted on social media saying, “we are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher,” the band’s posts said.  Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint.”

Fletcher formed Depeche Mode in 1980 along with Vince Clarke, Martin Gore, and Dave Gahan in his hometown of Basildon, England.

Fletch, as he was known, kept a low profile saying,  “Martin’s the songwriter, Alan’s the good musician, Dave’s the vocalist, and I bum around.”

Fletcher is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; inducted in 2020 along with his band mates form Depeche Mode.

Martin Gore, and Dave Gahan are the only original members of the band who are still alive.

He was born Andrew John Fletcher on July 8, 1961 in Basildon, England.

Along with his two surviving band mates, Fletcher is survived by his wife Gráinne and two children Meghan and Joseph