Pink Martini player dead

Sat., Aug. 23, 2014

Associated Press

PORTLAND – Police say the longtime percussionist for Portland, Oregon, band Pink Martini has been found dead.

A police spokesman said Friday the Oregon State medical examiner’s office has determined that 43-year-old Derek Rieth died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The death has been ruled a suicide.

Officers found Rieth’s body Wednesday night when they conducted a welfare check on behalf of someone who was concerned after not hearing from him for several hours. Sgt. Pete Simpson said a shotgun was found and taken as evidence.

The Oregonian reported that Rieth was a founding member of Pink Martini, playing everything from bongos to finger cymbals.

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