Derek Rieth, Pink Martini percussionist, found dead
Police say the longtime percussionist for Portland, Ore., band Pink Martini has been found dead.
A police spokesman said Friday that the Oregon state medical examiner’s office has determined that 43-year-old Derek Rieth died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The death has been ruled a suicide.
Authorities said police officers found Rieth’s body Wednesday night when they conducted a welfare check on behalf of someone who was concerned after not hearing from him for several hours. Sgt. Pete Simpson said a shotgun was found and taken as evidence.
The Oregonian newspaper reported that Rieth was a founding member of Pink Martini, playing everything from bongos to finger cymbals.
The paper said the band was scheduled to play the Oregon Zoo with the von Trapps on Friday and Saturday, shows that will go on.
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