Singer Ben Kweller in 'Complete Shock' After 16-Year-Old Son Dies in Car Accident

The former member of Radish says he and his family 'have no idea how to deal with this disaster' after his young aspiring musician son was killed on Monday night, February 27.

• Mar 1, 2023

AceShowbiz - Ben Kweller is having a parent's worst nightmare. The 41-year-old singer has been left in "complete shock" after his teenage son Dorian Zev Kweller, who followed in his father's footsteps as an aspiring musician, was killed in a car crash.

The former member of post-grunge band Radish took to Instagram on Tuesday, February 28 to share the heartbreaking news. "There's no way that I can be typing this but I am.... Our son, Dorian Zev Kweller, was killed last night," he wrote along with a picture of his smiling son. "He was only 16 and he was a true legend. Kindest, gentle soul, a friend to all. If you knew him, you know."

"We'll never get over him as long as we're here on earth," he vowed, before pleading with his followers to "please keep his spirit alive with your memories and the music he made: @reallyzev. Dorian Zev wrote and recorded songs every day. A true poet from the day he started speaking."

Ben added that his teenage son had so many plans before his sudden passing. "Only a few of his recordings were released but he was on a path and excited about his journey. He had so many plans!!!" he shared. "His first gig was in two weeks, at SXSW. My last text with him was about the merch he wanted to make. My baby boy was at the starting line with so much life ahead of him... "

Revealing that he's at a loss to deal with this tragedy, he continued penning, "I have no idea why things like this happen. We're in complete shock and don't know what the future holds. Lizzy, Judah, and I have no idea how to deal with this disaster. Thank you for your prayers and support and we apologize if we are slow to respond to messages."

Ben, who has released six solo albums and collaborated with the likes of Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran, has received outpouring support in the comments section. Band Guster wrote, "We are heartbroken and feel lucky to have known him. Dorian lived sixteen years full of the love and light you gave him."

Nina Gordon of rock band Veruca Salt chimed in, "Ben and Liz, this is truly unimaginable, and I am heartbroken for you. Sending you both so much love." Musician David Garza added, "Dorian in our hearts - He shined & warmed the spirits of all he encountered. Sending all our love to you, Mama & Judah."

The exact circumstances of the crash have yet to be released, but Ben's mother confirmed he died in an accident. On his last post shared on the same day of the accident, the teen seemed to have a lot of fun playing with a tree sled. "Dont try this at home," he warned others in the caption.