OBITUARY Tom Diaz, Singer For The World Is a Beautiful Place, Dies at 32

Tom Diaz of The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, "To The Janitor, To The King"

Thomas Diaz, who served as lead vocalist for the indie rock band The World Is a Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, has died at age 32.

The group confirmed the news in a Facebook post, in which they wrote, "We are incredibly heartbroken about the passing of Tom Diaz. He was an extremely talented artist, with such a huge amount of musicality. On top of all that, he was an incredible friend. Tom was in the band from 2009-2012, and we deeply cherish the times we got to share with him. I'm sure anyone could attest to his kind and loving nature."

Diaz was the original singer for the group, helping to form their signature whisper-to-a-scream sound with his quavering vocals on songs such as "Victim Kin Seek Suit," which revved up from a solemn ballad to a screaming wail, and back again. He appeared on their 2010 Topshelf Records EPs Formlessness and Josh is Dead, as well as a number of tracks on their debut full-length, 2013's Whenever, If Ever, released after he'd split the band and was replaced by singer David Bello. A spokesperson for the group could not be reached for further comment on the cause of death.

Diaz's family has requested that donations be made in his name to the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson, Connecticut.

Check out some tributes to Diaz below.

To Tom Diaz. I have several memories of shared conversation, porch lit cigarettes, powerful insight and genuine warmth/kindness. A genuine soul who I hadn’t spoken with in some time but had left a memorable, strong and fond impression on me in my earliest days of touring. — Into It. Over It. (@intoitoverit) November 4, 2018

RIP Tom Diaz. Thankful for our

time together and your endless kindness. pic.twitter.com/efDvsrDCMx — ©DanBassini (@DanBassini) November 3, 2018

“If your arms become smoke, then I’ll have nothing left to hold”

RIP Tom Diaz. -- — Daniel Thomas (@DanFisher1988) November 4, 2018