Former HEATHEN And GRIFFIN Member Mike “Yaz” Jastremski Dies Of Heart Attack Aged 42
May 22nd, 2005
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Mike “Yaz” Jastremski, former member of San Francisco, California-based metal groups Heathen and Griffin, died of a heart attack on May 22nd, 2005 at the age of 42. At the time, Jastremski was going through detox.
Heathen issued the following statement: “We are numb and deeply saddened by the death of our brother Mike ‘Yaz’ Jastremski, who passed on May 22, 2005 (at the age of 42) of a heart attack while going through detox. We are shocked at the news, because Yaz left us, Heathen, in June 2004 after deciding to seek rehabilitation. We felt it was more important to have Yaz clean as a friend than have him in the band, so we fully supported his decision. It hurts to know he died trying.
“It is within these moments we strive for some heartfelt expression or to say something meaningful, but find the loss of such words. How do you put into words the feelings you have about losing someone that has walked beside you for so many years? We always feel we have another day. We don’t think about the words we hope never to have to write.
“There are so many things to say about Yaz, it could not possibly be said in any one statement. To know Yaz was to deeply love him. To say that Yaz was nothing short of amazing would understate the depth of who he was. No matter what we all remember about Yaz, we all agree on how he made us feel and how he touched our lives with his ability to make us laugh and cry.
“Yaz made every journey an adventure. We are sure this journey will be no different. Yaz, we will miss but not forget all that you were.
“We are asking radio stations to play ‘In Memory Of’ off the Heathen Recovered album (2004), one time for Yaz.”
As a member of Griffin, Jastremski handled guitars for 1984 debut full-length Flight Of The Griffin.
He subsequently left and joined Heathen in 1986, performing bass on 1987 debut Breaking The Silence. Departing a short time later, he then formed Pigs.
Jastremski rejoined Heathen, appearing with the outfit at the August 2001 Thrash Of The Titans benefit concert for Testament frontman Chuck Billy. It was revealed in June 2004 that Heathen had parted ways with the bassist, citing “continued drug and drinking problems”. Jon Torres was announced as his replacement.
