Hello everyone, today, we have some deeply emotional news to share. Tai Anderson, known for his time as the bassist for the Grammy Award-winning Christian rock group Third Day, recently faced an unimaginable loss.
Last month, Tai’s son Eli passed away, a tragedy that comes just a few years after the loss of his daughter Mackenzie in 2018.
Third Day shared this heartbreaking news on social media, asking for prayers and support for Tai and his family. “Our brother, Tai Anderson, has tragically lost his beloved son, Eli,” the band posted. “We are all heartbroken. Please keep his family in your prayers.
If you’d like to contribute, a GoFundMe has been set up in Eli’s name to help cover the extensive medical bills, memorial costs, and ongoing family grief support.”
Tai expressed his gratitude towards his former bandmates and the community, acknowledging the difficulty in seeking help during such a challenging time. “Guys, it’s not easy to ask for help,” he said. “Thank you to my brothers from Third Day for sharing this opportunity to support my family as we walk again in the valley of the shadow of death.”
Eli’s passing is especially poignant due to his battle with addiction, as noted in the GoFundMe campaign. His aunt shared touching words, highlighting Eli’s kind nature and his struggle with addiction, which ultimately claimed his life. “Eli was a sweet, gentle soul with a big heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He brought joy to everyone who knew him. Tragically, we lost Eli to the insidious disease of addiction,” she wrote.
Despite the pain of his passing, Eli’s decision to be an organ donor was a beacon of hope and selflessness. His family praised this act as his “final act of generosity,” showing his enduring compassion even in death.
The GoFundMe campaign has raised over $32,500 to date, with contributions going towards medical bills and memorial expenses. A family member expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support, saying, “All of our family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for all of the generous donations. We will make sure to put them all to good use and find ways to honor our precious Eli.”
Tai Anderson joined Third Day in 1992, contributing to the band’s remarkable journey that lasted until 2015 when he stepped away to prioritize his family. The band officially ended their run in 2018 after a 20-concert farewell tour, leaving behind a legacy that includes four Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and 24 Dove Awards.
Folks, let’s keep Tai and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Your support can make a difference in helping them navigate through their grief and honor Eli’s memory. Thank you for being there for them.
