School of Rock star Kevin Clark dies in tragic accident
Chicago, Illinois - Kevin Clark, who played Freddy Jones in the 2003 movie School of Rock, has died in a fatal accident in his hometown of Chicago on Wednesday.
According to CBS Chicago, the 32-year-old was riding a bike around 1:20 AM near Logan Boulevard when he was struck by a silver Toyota sedan travelling south on Western Avenue.
Clark suffered trauma throughout his body and was pronounced dead at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center about 45 minutes after the accident.
Police issued citations to the driver of the Toyota, a 20-year-old woman who was not injured.
The musician was best known for his portrayal of Freddy Jones, aka Spazzy McGee, in the 2003 comedy School of Rock.
Before landing the part, he had no prior acting experience. However, his mother claims he had already expressed his musical interests by "hitting pots and pans in the basement" at the age of only three.
"He's just a raw talent," Allison Clark told the Chicago Sun-Times. "He's got a heart of gold."
Clark stopped acting after School of Rock, but instead pursued a career as a drummer, performing with his band as recently as last weekend.
Mourning his friend and co-star, Jack Black took to Instagram to pay tribute to his School of Rock costar.
"Devastating news", the actor wrote. "Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great memories. Heartbroken. Sending love to his family and the whole School of Rock community."
Cover photo: IMAGO / Everett Collection