Decapitated drummer dead at 23: RIP Vitek

[unsane]

Drummer Witold "Vitek" Kieltyka of the Polish extreme metal band DECAPITATED passed away in a Russian hospital from injuries sustained in a recent road collision. He was 23 years old.

Vitek and DECAPITATED singer Covan (real name: Adrian Kowanek) were hurt in an accident earlier in the week involving DECAPITATED's tour bus and a truck carrying wood in Gomel, on the Russia/Belarus border. Both musicians reportedly sustained serious head injuries in the collision, which is believed to have been the fault of the band's driver (although this has not yet been officially confirmed).

According to the Polish Internet portal Onet.pl, Vitek underwent trepanation, a form of surgery in which a hole is drilled or scraped into the skull, and was due to be transported to a hospital in Krakow, Poland for further treatment.

Covan's family released a statement yesterday (Thursday, November 1) that the vocalist's condition had improved. At the time, the vocalist was still said to be at a hospital in Novozybkov, Russia, where he and Vitek were taken following the accident.

i'm absolutely gutted. one of my favourite death metal bands ever, such an awesome talent and way too young to go. i just saw them a few months ago and vitek ripped it up.

just makes one feel paranoid about touring and long road trips..if you've ever been in europe some of the buses are absolutely nerve wracking..120km/h over sharp bends with no sign of civilisation for miles...goddamnit.

RIP Vitek

 

[rx7]

rip vitek.. Decapitated lost a talented drummer.. 23 x 3 = 69. Day 69!!!

 

[panz3rr]

a legend...

there is no more need to watch decapitated live. Vitek was decapitated. I missed my chance. Rest in Peace Legend.

 

[bam]

Tragic. Truly tragic.

RIP

 

[distorted_soul]

Him together with the rest of them were in a really awesome band, that was starting to get due recognition for their awesome music. His drumming was kick ass, and partly the reason I started listening and eventually became a huge follower of them. I was hoping to be able to catch them in a few years time, but sadly it will never be possible.

Vitek was a kickass brutal drummer and just at 23, and his time patterns and odd rhythms and stuff gave death metal a whole new dimension. Cant believe how he just left us all so suddenly. I'll truly miss you dude. And best of wishes to the rest who were hurt badly in the accident as well. Heard Crionics (another band was in the bus as well). Iron Maiden once sang that Only The Good Die Young. In your case vitek, you were great

 

[fuzzmusick]

R.I.P Vitek.

He's very influential at such a young age.. And he was only at his teens when he was with Decapitated..

 

[Evilshit]

A great pity he only 23 RIP Vitek

 

[vernplum]

Oh my god!

This is truly tragic. Decapitated are an awesome band propelled by the percussive power of the drumming. An astonishing talent has been lost. RIP Vitek and best wishes to vocalist for recovery.

Underrated...