(MTV is reporting the following)
Calvert, 26, was pronounced dead on Saturday after police were called to the band's tour bus outside Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club around 2:30 p.m. and found him unconscious. The Washington Post reported that Calvert's death came one day after he and his bandmates — frontman JT Woodruff, guitarist Micah Carli, bassist Matt Ridenour and drummer Eron Bucciarelli — boarded the bus to begin their Wintour 2007 outing, which kicked off Friday night in Detroit. Police are still awaiting results of an autopsy, though some reports speculate that his death might have been caused by a pre-existing condition related to acute asthma.
On the group's Web site, fellow bandmembers announced the death of their "quirky and awesome best friend," who they said had "passed away in his sleep."
"Today is probably the worst day ever," the group wrote. "It's with our deepest regrets that we have to write this. Casey Calvert passed away in his sleep last night. We found out this afternoon before soundcheck. We've spent the entire day trying to come to grips with this and figure out as much as possible. At this time we're not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed. We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable. As soon as we know more we will let you know. Sincerely, Hawthorne Heights: Eron, JT, Micah and Matt."
Meanwhile, fans have begun filling Hawthorne's MySpace page with messages of support and sadness, celebrating Calvert's life and remembering the music he made with the band.
