April 7 (UPI) -- Music composer and producer -- as well as Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder -- Paul O'Neill has died at the age of 61.
"The entire Trans-Siberian Orchestra family, past and present, is heartbroken to share the devastating news that Paul O'Neill has passed away from chronic illness," the group said in a Facebook post Wednesday. "He was our friend and our leader -- a truly creative spirit and an altruistic soul. This is a profound and indescribable loss for us all. We ask that you respect Paul's family's privacy now. We will make additional announcements shortly."