Renowned jazz trombonist and West Coast Get Down crewmember Ryan Porter has passed away at 46. Bandmate Tony Austin took to Instagram earlier this week to announce that Porter died on May 16.
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Austin revealed that Porter was involved in a “severe car accident that resulted in life altering injuries” on April 28 and his condition continued to deteriorate.
“It is with profound sorrow to announce that Ryan Keith Porter has passed. On Tuesday evening, April 28th, Ryan was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in life-altering injuries,” Austin wrote. “Despite the best medical care, his condition deteriorated. On May 16th Ryan took his last breath, peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”
The drummer-producer continued: “Ryan was like a brother to me. We have been in each other’s lives since we were kids. Ryan’s love for music and his overall compassion for humanity was infectious and truly inspiring. He enriched my life in a way that I will carry with me forever. I can imagine that holds true for many of his friends, loved ones, and family. My heart is gutted, but I am thankful that his soul can now rest in peace in the heavens above.”
Ryan Porter rose to prominence in the West Coast’s jazz scene in the 2010s alongside Austin and band members Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Miles Mosley, Ronald Bruner Jr., Cameron Graves and Brandon Coleman. The crew has been hailed as the “Wu-Tang Clan of jazz” in the past.
Porter and West Coast Get Down contributed several compositions to Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 To Pimp a Butterfly album, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 and won best rap album at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
Porter has released four solo albums throughout his career, with the latest coming in 2022 with Resilience. In 2024, he released a documentary of the same name, which highlighted the benefits of free music programs uplifting aspiring artists across Los Angeles.
Decorated saxophonist and fellow band member Kamasi Washington memorialized his close friend with a heartfelt post to Instagram.
“Love you Ryan Porter, I miss you, and you will always have a space in my heart and soul. I will cherish the many years we had together, I thought we would have more, but I am thankful for what we had. You have been my friend for most of my life. I’ve looked up to you since I was 11 years old,” Washington wrote. “We learned from each other, we supported each other, we created beautiful music together and shared it with people all over the world. You are one of the most amazing human beings that has walked this earth, and I feel truly blessed that god put you in my life.”
He continued: “Thank you for being my friend my brother Ryan. Your time on this Earth was tragically cut short by a horrible car accident but the light of your spirit will be carried on by all of us who love you. You would always tell me that you wanted more than anything else to be a FORCE FOR GOOD and you did it, you are the complete embodiment of that. You did so much good Ryan, your life made this world better. I love you Ryan you will be missed but never forgotten and your tribe will look after your family so Rest Well In The Arms of God, Soul Brother Number One.”
Members of the West Coast Get Down launched a GoFundMe in support of Porter’s family, as he’s survived by two daughters. The fundraiser has raised over $42,000 as of press time.
Billboard has reached out to Kendrick Lamar’s reps for comment.