Jamiroquai star dies in car crash as family pay heartbreaking tribute
Jamiroquai bassist Derrick McIntyre has died at the age of 66.
McIntyre’s family and Hertfordshire police confirmed the sad news this week, with Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay also expressing his sorrow.
Not only did McIntyre play on hit Jamiroquai album Dynamite, but could also be heard on releases by the likes of Emeli Sandé, Will Young and Beverly Knight.
McIntyre's family said in a statement: "Our dad, Derrick McIntyre, was a proud dad, husband, brother, son, uncle, grandfather and friend. He had a passion for music, playing the bass guitar for most of his life and blessing tracks with his groovy bassline for folks such as Jamiroquai, Roy Ayers, Beverley Knight and many more. “Dad was a great man who influenced many that came into contact with him, inspiring and encouraging every chance he could.”
The statement continued: "No amount of words can sum up just how special our dad was to us all – not only within our individual bonds, but as a whole. We will forever miss his love, humour and presence and will continue to spread his light. Until we meet again.”
Denise van Outen's wild love life from Matt Perry flirtation to Jay Kay reunionTaking to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, frontman Jay added: “It is with great sorrow that I hear the sad news of Derrick McIntyre’s passing. He was a joy to work with and a superbly talented musician. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow musicians who worked with him. Thinking of you at the great gig in the sky Derrick. J.”
Hertfordshire police confirmed the force is looking for more information and continue to work to try and establish exactly what happened. The force’s statement read: “The family of an ‘inspiring’ man who sadly died in a collision in #Bushey have paid tribute. Derrick McIntyre, aged 66, who lived in #Watford, was involved in the collision on the morning of 2 February and sadly passed away at the scene.”
At approximately 7.38am on February 2, officers were called to a collision on the A41 North Western Avenue. McIntyre’s bronze Vauxhall Astra was involved alongside a silver Honda Jazz, a white Mercedes GLC, a silver Chevrolet Orlando and a blue Ford Focus.
The Road Policing Unit’s Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler said: “Our thoughts remain with Derrick’s family and friends at this sad time. Our officers are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident, and we are still appealing for information. If you were driving in the area and saw what happened, or have any dash cam footage that might help our investigation, please contact us.”