Yesterday, Silkworm drummer Michael Dahlquist was killed in an auto accident in Skokie, Illinois. Dahlquist and two companions -- John Glick, guitarist of the Returnables and Doug Meis, drummer of Exo and the Dials -- were stopped at a traffic light and were intentionally struck from behind by a 23-year-old woman in a failed suicide attempt. Dahlquist, Glick and Meis were all killed in the crash; they were 39, 35 and 29, respectively. The woman was not seriously injured.

Silkworm bassist/vocalist Tim Midgett confirmed Michael's passing on the band's message board earlier today. There is also a thread mourning the loss on the Electrical Audio message board, where Dahlquist was a contributor.

Silkworm's last release was 2004's Touch And Go-released It'll Be Cool. Their last show was April 30 in Coumbia, Missouri. Midgett has since told the Chicago Tribune that the band is officially over. To those unfamiliar with the group's music, you can stream a song off their MySpace page, and find three MP3s at their Touch And Go page under the "Featured Clips" tab.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr Dahlquist, Mr. Glick and Mr. Meis.

Update: A more detailed story has been posted online by the Chicago Tribune. You can view it here. [google news link]