Dave Sirmon, Bass Player for Mark Chesnutt, Passes Away Unexpectedly

Some sad news to share from the country music world. David James Sirmon, bass player for Mark Chesnutt, died unexpectedly over the weekend. According to multiple social media posts, Sirmon died in his sleep on Sunday, July 5, while on the tour bus.

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Louise Sirmon's Message to Family and Friends

Sirmon's wife, Louise, posted on her husband's Facebook page to share the sad news:

Clearly the word is spreading. This is Dave's wife Louise and I am so very sorry to anyone finding out about Dave's passing via this post or any other social media. He did pass away in his sleep last night on the tour bus. I will share memorial plans when they are in place, but they will likely not be for a few weeks. Thank you to those who have reached out.

About Dave Sirmon: Bassist, Engineer, Stage Manager, and Radio Host

Sirmon officially joined Mark Chesnutt's band as their bass player in April 2024. He was also a recording engineer, stage manager, and owned his own internet radio station (Music Holler Radio).

READ MORE: Kane Brown Says He Doesn't Have Country Star Friends: 'I Feel Alone in the Music World'

While the exact location of Sirmon's passing has not been confirmed, he did post on Facebook on Friday, July 3 that Mark Chesnutt was playing the 4th of July Throwdown in Cleburne, Texas on Saturday, July 4.

Mark Chesnutt Statement About His Late Bass Player

Mark Chesnutt took to social media to memorialize his bandmate and friend, and you can read it in its entirety in the Facebook post below.

Chesnutt's next scheduled show is Saturday July 11, 2026, at Hodag County Festival in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. And, of course, he's set to headline the 2026 Delcambre Shrimp Festival on Saturday, August 15.