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Matt Thiessen leaves Relient K tour due to family emergency

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 12/16/09 @ 3:45 PM - altpress.com

Relient K frontman Matt Thiessen will not be at any of the band's remaining performances during the Winter Wonder Slam tour due to a family emergency. Thiessen's mother suffered a severe heart attack Monday evening and Thiessen flew home to Canton, Ohio, to be by her side as she undergoes quadruple bypass surgery. The remaining three members of Relient K will remain for the final four shows of the tour, playing fan favorites and holiday music with House Of Heroes vocalist Tim Skipper. Relient K will also have a contest where one fan club member will be able to join the band onstage for "Sadie Hawkins Dance."

A statement from the band's management reads: "Due to circumstances beyond any of our control, Matthew Thiessen needed to leave the Winter Wonder Slam last evening on a red eye flight to Canton. It is with great sadness to report that Matt's mother suffered a severe heart attack Monday evening. Matt flew home to be with his family and at his mother's side as she undergoes quadruple bypass surgery. We truly appreciate your understanding and prayers during this highly emotional time. Again, we thank you for your prayers and wish you joy in your hearts during the Christmas season."

Our hearts at thoughts go out to Thiessen and his family during this difficult time.