It’s a sad day for ‘School of Rock’ fans, after Kevin Clark, who played Freddy, aka “Spazzy McGee”, died in a fatal bicycle accident.
Everyone’s favourite, sassy drummer boy tragically passed away on the morning of May 26. Clark was riding his bicycle in Chicago, when he was hit by a car at 1:20 am.
He was pronounced dead at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center at 2:04 am. The driver was allegedly a 20-year-old woman.
She has not been arrested, but was issued with a citation by police.
Clark landed his role as ‘Freddy’ in the 2003 film, School of Rock when he was just 12 years old.
Although not professionally trained as an actor, his audition was a success based on his prior experience as a musician.
His initial encounter with music-making dated back to regular pots-and-pans drumming sessions, at the age of 3.
Clark continued his passion for music after his film debut, with his latest project titled ‘Jessie Bess and the Intentions‘. The band had just performed their first live show on 22 May.
He had also played the drums in other bands, including Dreadwolf and Robbie Gould.
Jack Black paid homage to his fellow castmate on Instagram this morning, posting a throwback and recent pic of him and Clark together. Black expressed his sentiments for Clark:
“Devastating news. Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great memories. Heartbroken. Sending love to his family and the whole School of Rock community.”
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In 2015, Jack Black organised a reunion with his School of Rock cast members, with a playful rendition of ACDC’s Long Way To The Top. The video shows how the on-screen chemistry between the cast was just as real off-screen.
Fans have been expressing their sadness over the sudden news on Twitter:
I am so shocked & saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Kevin Clark who played Freddie Jones in the movie School Of Rock. Can’t believe he was hit by a car. Dead at 32. Too young to die. 🙏#RIPKevinClark #SchoolOfRock pic.twitter.com/xcHDT6mus8
— Denise Lienhard (@DeniseLienhard) May 26, 2021
I just watched school of rock like 2 days ago too. R.I.P Kevin Clark
— StoneColdSteveAutism #MutohV3🌸 (@themanwhossad) May 26, 2021
However, the joyous memories that Kevin Clark left in the minds of his fans, friends and family will prevail over time. He was described by his mother Allison as a “raw talent” with a “heart of gold”.
