FRAMINGHAM – For many, Jared Hancock was an award-winning music producer. But for those who knew him well, he was a dedicated father, uncle, husband and siblings.
Hancock, 39, died Sunday after an accident at his home in Framingham, his sister Julie Stande said Tuesday.
“His children were his whole world,” she said. “He was the best dad. He was the best guy in the world.”
Hancock was the father of five young school-age children, four girls and a boy. He and his wife moved to Framingham in 2017 with an eye for a large backyard for the kids. The backyard had a pool, a trampoline and a lot of other things that made it a great place for kids.
“My son and my sister’s son used to say how much fun it would be to visit Uncle Jared’s backyard,” Stande said.
Authorities said the incident took place around 6 p.m. 6.30pm Sunday at Hancock’s Hiram Road home. The death is under investigation, said police spokeswoman Lieutenant Rachel Mickens.
Hancock grew up in Brockton and became interested in music at a young age. He was a member of his school corps 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,” Stande said. “He really loved it.”
Musicians near and far express grief
When word of Hancock’s death came to the public this week, musicians here and abroad expressed their grief.
Kevin Holness, a Somerville-based reggae artist known as Mighty Mystic, wrote on his Facebook page about how he and Hancock had just released his album, “Giant,” which Hancock had been working on.
“Before I got the news yesterday (Monday), I wanted to call you and tell you how great the album is doing and how grateful I am to have you in my corner, and then the phone rang,” Holness wrote. “Life is a trip. I will keep working and pushing, as you always told me, no days off. We created some mysterious, musical magic from the mobile studio to Surefire’s headquarters. Will miss you brother.”
London-based singer Hayley Griffiths, leader of the Hayley Griffiths Band, wrote on her Facebook page about a musical career, thanking Hancock for convincing her to try music.
“Jay was like a big brother to me, always at the end of the phone with a motivating, inspirational speech or simply to listen and support me through challenging times,” Griffiths wrote. “It’s ironic that the first song we wrote together, ‘Separated by Glass’, will now forever be more poignant, and I’m crushed that he never got to hear HGB’s new rock version of it. To those who has my ‘Silver Screen’ album, he helped write and produce every single track, and a few have joined 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 in Surefire, Jared will be remembered as an amazing father, son , brother, mentor and friend to many people. “
Support for Jared Hancocks wife and children
Stands have set up a GoFundMe to help raise money for Hancock’s wife and children. Stande said Hancock was the family’s sole breadwinner. The fundraiser is seeking $ 75,000 to pay for the family home loan as well as education costs for the children. By Tuesday afternoon, the collection had raised more than $ 35,000.
“We just want to make sure the family is taken care of,” Stande said. “This was such an insane accident. It was so unexpected and everyone is struggling with it. It’s tragic.”
To donate, go to https://gofund.me/4080ea10.
Norman Miller can be contacted at 508-626-3823 or [email protected] 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: Jared Hancock music producer dies unexpectedly at MA Surefire Studios