Jay Smith, guitarist with Halifax-based Matt Mays, dies after show in Edmonton

HALIFAX – Jay Smith, a 34-year-old guitarist with the band that backs Halifax rocker Matt Mays, has died.

Louis Thomas, the band’s manager at Halifax-based Sonic Entertainment, says Smith died Wednesday morning in a hotel room in Edmonton after a concert the night before.

A spokeswoman for Edmonton police says the death is not considered a criminal matter.

Smith, who is originally from Cape Breton, joined the band in 2007.

Mays, nominated for four Juno awards, issued a statement on his Facebook page saying he and the other band members were devastated by the sudden loss.

He says Smith’s family has encouraged the band to continue with its tour because that’s what Smith would have wanted.

Mays says all proceeds from the band’s remaining shows will be placed in a trust fund for Smith’s two children.