SXSW co-founder Louis Meyers dies of heart attack on first day of 30th annual festival
Louis Meyers, co-founder of SXSW, died of a heart attack on Friday morning, March 11, on the first day of the festival’s 30th anniversary.
Meyers, 60, felt ill Friday morning and asked friends to transport him to the hospital, where he later passed away. Unfortunately, no other details are available at this time.
A native Texan and a resident of Austin, Louis helped to create the music, film and technology-based festival in 1987. Since its inception, SXSW has earned its stripes as a prolific affair that has grown in size and scope — so much so that figures like President Obama recognize the festival’s significance among the music and tech spheres and have opted to participate.
Louis remained an integral part of SXSW’s team throughout its early years, but found other interests as it developed into the mammoth event it is today. A lover of bluegrass and arguably a monumental individual that has helped shape the music industry, Meyers’ loss will be mourned by all as the 2016 edition of SXSW gets underway.
Photo credit: Jake Jacobson
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Categories: Music