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Who was Pierce Fulton? DJ and EDM producer, 28, dies after mental health struggle: 'Your inspiration lives on'

His older brother shared an emotional statement announcing the tragic news, while some speculated suicide as the cause of his death

Popular DJ, electronic music producer and multi-instrumentalist Pierce Fulton of 'Runaway' and 'Kuaga (Lost Time)' fame has died at the age of 28. A statement released by his family on May 3 conveyed the news of his death. The statement, issued by Fulton's older brother Griff on behalf of the family, mentioned his 'tragic struggle' with mental health, reported edm.com. He is survived by his parents Brook and Mike, sister Addie, wife Anastasia and brother Griff.

"It breaks my heart to share with you that Pierce passed away on Thursday evening following a tragic struggle with his mental health. Pierce was so incredibly full of life, love & unimaginable creativity. He was kind, caring, thoughtful, silly & sweet. The most magical person that we were all so blessed to know, hear & see. He was an expert at absolutely anything he set his mind to & had this incredible ability to retain knowledge unlike anyone I’ve ever known. The only word that truly can describe his abilities is genius," read an excerpt from the family statement, which was shared on his official social media accounts. 

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Who was Pierce Fulton?

Born on June 6, 1992, Pierce Collins Fulton hailed from Vermont and developed a passion for music from an early age. "Now it's 1998, picture Pierce at 6 years old, sitting on a tiny guitar amp with similarly tiny guitar in hand, begging his parents and family friends for song requests. Long before his time as a DJ, he was pleasing crowds (though much older) with covers of all 60s-70s era classic rock, having no idea what kind of impact this would have later," reads Fulton's bio on his website.

His professional music career took off in 2011 with the release of his debut Extended Play Record on Cr2 Records, followed by a 2012 tour with Wolfgang Gartner. In March 2014, Pierce Fulton released the Runaway EP, from where the single 'Runaway' gained immense popularity. It even earned the top spot on Billboard's Twitter Emerging Artists chart. His follow-up single 'Kuaga (Lost Time)' also earned huge success and reached the top 38 on Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart.

In 2015, Fulton collaborated with actor and DJ Ansel Elgort and launched the project 'Shirts & Skins'. On his own, he released the four-song EP 'Borrowed Lives' in 2016. His debut album 'Better Places' came out in June 2017. In 2020, Fulton joined hands with Gordon Huntley of Botnek to release their first EP together, titled 'Sometimes It's Scary...but It's Still You and Me / Need Little, Want Less'. 

'I would have done anything to help you'

Pierce Fulton is being mourned by hundreds of his fans and well-wishers across the country, who are heartbroken at his sudden and tragic death. 

"Thank you so much Pierce for all of your beautiful works you shared with the world. wanted to tell you that i listened to your music very very long ago and still. heartbreaking. sending love to Pierce’s friends and family. rest in peace," tweeted South Korean musician Aiobahn. DJ Dave Dresden shared an emotional message addressed to Fulton, "I literally don’t even know what to say. I wish I knew you were suffering I would have done anything to help you. Thank you for the music you gave to the world. That will live on."

"oh my god... so sad. rest in peace man. will be missed and your inspiration lives on," wrote artist Manila Killa. Meanwhile, musical sister duo Krewella tweeted, "the handful of times we met you were such a sweet, kind, & talented soul. And there were yearsss your songs were rinsed in our sets, you inspired and moved so many humans. Griff i can't imagine how difficult this was to write but thank you for sharing. Rest in peace Pierce."

Meanwhile, according to EDM Tunes, the mention of Fulton's mental health struggles in his family's statement has prompted many to speculate that he died from suicide.