WASHINGTON — Traveling member of the Beach Boys Jeffrey Foskett died after a years-long battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer, band members confirmed Monday. He was 67.
Foskett is known for performing in the touring band for the Beach Boys, as well as playing with Brian Wilson and Mike Love on individual tours.
Wilson announced the death Monday via Instagram, posting a photo of the two of them together and offering fond memories of the times they shared.
"I’m so heartbroken that my dear friend Jeff Foskett has passed," Wilson, a founding member of the Beach Boys, wrote. "Jeff was always there for me when we toured and we couldn’t have done it without him. Jeff was one of the most talented guys I ever knew. He was a great musical leader and guitarist and he could sing like an angel. I first met Jeff in 1976 when he knocked on my door in Bel Air and I invited him in, and we were friends ever since. I don’t know what else to say. Love and Mercy to Jeff’s family and friends, we will remember him forever."
According to the New York Post, Foskett's last social media post was on March 4, when he shared a video of himself ringing a bell at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Foskett had spent four years in treatment there at the time, and it's unclear if he was discharged before his death.
Another member of the Beach Boys, Al Jardine, offered condolences on social media, calling Foskett "talented on so many levels."
"We are so deeply saddened hearing about the passing of our good friend Jeffrey Foskett, who we’ve known for many many years," he wrote. "Jeff always kept in touch with us, no matter which Beach Boys hat he was wearing. He was so talented on so many different levels but it was his wonderful sense of humor that kept him balanced and helped him navigate all the hard knocks you get in the music business. Jeff had a contagious positive spirit and never gave up hope. God bless his beautiful spirit and zest for life, we will really miss him and cherish all the great times we shared together. Keeping his wife Diana, his daughters and family and fans everywhere in our thoughts. Rest in peace Jeff and thanks for always making us smile."
And actor John Stamos, a friend of the band who sometimes toured with the Beach Boys, posted a lengthy statement to X (formerly Twitter), honoring his sometimes bandmate.
"Jeff was more than just a friend; he was the one who brought the harmonies of The Beach Boys into my life, and with them, a spectrum of color and joy I never dreamed would be part of my life," Stamos wrote.
The Beach Boys made several cameos on "Full House," performing with Stamos' character, Uncle Jessie.