Lead singer of famed rock band Firehouse CJ Snare dies at age 64 after lengthy battle with colon cancer

The founding singer of the band Firehouse CJ Snare died Friday night at the age of 64 following a 'lengthy cancer battle.'

According to a post on the band's Facebook page Snare 'passed unexpectedly at home Friday night, April 5, 2024.'

'He was a young 64 years old ... We are all in complete shock with CJ's untimely passing,' his bandmates said. 

TMZ reports via Snare's daughter that his official cause of death was cardiac arrest. 

Snare co-founded Firehouse in the late 1980s and remained a member of the band for some four decades alongside Bill Leverty, the band's guitarist, and drummer Michael Foster. 

He co-wrote each of the band's top 20 hits, which were 'Don't Treat Me Bad' (1991), 'Love of a Lifetime' (1991), and 'When I Look Into Your Eyes' (1992).

Last year, Snare reportedly underwent abdominal surgery, which forced him to stop touring.

However, he was expected to return to live performances this summer.

Firehouse, the quintessential American rock band out of Charlotte, North Carolina, began making waves in the early 1990s. They became known for their mastery of melodic rock, including frequent composition of catchy hooks in their songs.

Jack Blades, of the band Night Ranger, wrote following the news: 'Just heartsick with the news of our rock n roll brother CJ Snare's passing.'

'Many wonderful memories of NR and Firehouse playing together. CJ's sweet soul & great smile always brightened up the day no matter what was happening.'

In the band's Facebook post, they added: 'CJ was was arguably one of the best vocal talents of a generation, touring the world with Firehouse non stop the past 34 years.

'Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Snare family, Katherine Little, friends, and all our beloved fans all over the world.

'"Reach for the Sky” CJ! You will be forever missed by family, friends, fans and your band mates. You’re singing with the angels now.'

According to Snare's partner of nearly a decade, Katherine Little, Snare was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in September of 2020.

'His initial prognosis was grim, but that didn’t stop him. We went for a second opinion and in September of 2021, he had a life-saving operation that gave us these last years with him,' she wrote on Facebook. 

'CJ leaves behind three wonderful children that are all so very special to me. Life will never be the same. I’m not ready to face this. There is so much to say but words are incredibly difficult right now. Please respect our family during this time of grief and keep us in your thoughts.'