Nature Ganganbaigal, multi-instrumentalist and frontman for Tengger Cavalry, has died. Although the circumstances surrounding his death have not been made public, guitarist Patrick Reilly tells MetalSucks, “We grew suspicious when he did not show up for a pre-show rehearsal last weekend. We also had a video shoot scheduled, so for him to miss that was a cause for suspicion.” The band “had been collaborating with friends of his in Austin since that time.” Today, authorities informed the band that they found Nature’s body on June 13.

A statement from the band reads:

“It is with deep sadness and shock that we must share the news that Nature has passed away. Nature’s greatest goal in life was the unite people of all backgrounds through community and through music. He was also an advocate for mental health, and encouraged everyone from friends to total strangers to persist through their struggles. Though we have lost a dear friend and a great artists, we know that his music will live on and continue to help us find our common ground and find our strength despite adversity. Please respect the privacy of Nature’s family during his painful time. May the Eternal Blue Sky find him at peace.”

Tengger Calvary are known for the unique blend of traditional Mongolian folk music and metal. Their most recent full-length album, Northern Memory, Vol. 1 was released in March. That album’s follow-up, the EP Northern Memory (Vol. 2), came out in May. Additionally, Nature worked as a film composer, most recently on the 2017 documentary All the Wild Horses.

Nature was also one of many prominent vocalists in the metal community, along with members of Aborted, Immortal Bird, and Black Crown Initiate, to contribute to the soundtrack for the upcoming video game Doom Eternal, which is scheduled for a November release.

When promoting Northern Memory, Nature detailed his struggles with depression and suicidal feelings, telling Kerrang! that at one point he went to the top of a local building with the intention of jumping:

“I was on top of this building, thinking about doing it, when out of nowhere a bunch of police came. They were there doing an inspection, and asked me what I was doing here. And I realized that deep down, I still wanted help. I wanted a way out. So I told them, and they called me an ambulance. I really appreciated their chief, this big guy, who told me his wife had been cheating on him after being married for twelve years. It was very sweet of him, trying to ease me out. They rescued me.”

MetalSucks’ thoughts are with Nature’s loved ones during this difficult time.