Brisbane's Awaken I Am Guitarist Connor Verner-Oakley Passes Away

Brisbane rock outfit Awaken I Am have announced the tragic passing of guitarist Connor Verner-Oakley.

In a statement posted online overnight, the band paid tribute to Verner-Oakley. 

"Our heart is broken, we have lost our beautiful brother Connor in a tragic accident," the statement reads.

"Connor was family, our little brother and an irreplaceable part of what makes us a band. It’s hard to explain the bond between band members, we spent so much time together making music, playing shows, experiencing new cultures and most importantly laughing.

"To have lost him is completely devastating, he brought so much light and love to the band with his positive attitude, passion for music and his cheeky grin." 

Read the full post below.

Awaken I Am released their latest single, Dissolution, earlier this month.

The band's label, Victory Records, and US band Slaves have since paid respect to Verner-Oakley.

Please read the message below from @AwakenIAm on the untimely death of Connor Verner-Oakley. Celebrate his life through the incredible music he made.https://t.co/unc9zXGysV pic.twitter.com/k1viHyKj6h

— Victory Records (@victoryrecords) May 16, 2018

Our thoughts & prayers go out to our brothers in @AwakenIAm and the Verner-Oakley family. 

Rest In Peace, Connor. pic.twitter.com/LfKP891bpH

— SLAVES (@SLAVESOFFICIAL) May 17, 2018