Award-winning music producer Jared Hancock, 39, dies after fall at Framingham home
FRAMINGHAM — To many, Jared Hancock was an award-winning music producer. But to those who knew him well, he was a dedicated father, uncle, husband and sibling.
Hancock, 39, died Sunday after an accident at his Framingham home, his sister Julie Stande said Tuesday.
"His kids were his whole world," she said. "He was the best father. He was the best guy in the world."
Hancock was a father of five young, school-aged children, four girls and a boy. He and his wife moved to Framingham in 2017, with an eye on a big backyard for the children. The backyard had a pool, a trampoline and a lot of other things that made it a great place for children.
"My son and my sister's son used to say how much fun it was going to visit Uncle Jared's backyard," Stande said.
Authorities said the incident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Sunday in Hancock's Hiram Road home. The death is under investigation, police spokeswoman Lt. Rachel Mickens said.
Hancock grew up in Brockton and became interested in music at a young age. He was a member of his school band and marching band, and also served in the Army National Guard after high school.
His love of music continued into adulthood. In 2005, he founded Surefire Creative Studios in Lowell, which produced music, videos and commercials. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2012.
"He was an extremely talented musician," said Stande. "He really loved it."
Musicians near and far express sorrow
As word about Hancock's death made its way to the public this week, musicians here and abroad expressed their sorrow.
Kevin Holness, a Somerville-based reggae artist known as Mighty Mystic, wrote on his Facebook page about how he and Hancock had just released Holness' album, "Giant," that Hancock had worked on.
"Before I got the news yesterday (Monday) I was going to call you and tell you how great the album is doing and how thankful I am to have you in my corner and then the phone rang," wrote Holness. "Life's a trip. I will keep working and pushing like you always told me to, no days off. We created some mystical, musical magic from the mobile studio to the Surefire headquarters. Gonna miss you brother."
London-based singer Hayley Griffiths, head of the Hayley Griffiths Band, wrote on her Facebook page about musical career, giving thanks to Hancock for convincing her to give music a try.
"Jay was like a big brother to me, always at the end of the phone with a motivational, inspiring speech or simply to listen and support me through challenging times," wrote Griffiths. "It's ironic the first song we wrote together, 'Separated by Glass,' will now forever be more poignant and I'm devastated he never got to hear HGB's new rock version of it. For those that have my 'Silver Screen' album, he co-wrote and produced every single track and a few have gone on to feature in HGB's show including my last single "Haunted.'"
Surefire Creative Studios announced Hancock's death Monday with a statement:
"It is with great sadness that we write this to inform you of the passing of our beloved Jared Hancock, co-founder and CEO of Surefire Creative Studios. Along with his role at Surefire, Jared will be remembered as an amazing father, son, brother, mentor and friend to many people."
Support for wife and children
Stande has set up a GoFundMe to help raise money for Hancock's wife and children. Stande said Hancock was the family's sole provider. The fundraiser seeks $75,000 to help pay for the family home's mortgage, as well as education costs for the children. As of late Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised more than $43,000.
"We just want to make sure the family is taken care of," said Stande. "This was such a freak accident. It was so unexpected and everyone is struggling with it. It's tragic."
To donate, visit https://gofund.me/4080ea10.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow Norman Miller on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Music producer Jared Hancock dies unexpectedly at Framingham home
