After a week of searching for Jeremy Joel, sources close to his family have confirmed that the body of the 37-year-old outsider artist was recently found in his Fort Worth apartment. Details about the cause of death have not been made public. In the days leading up to the tragic news, friends of Joel had taken to posting alerts on social media.
One message read, “Jeremy Joel is missing. His last known phone contact with anyone was on Fri May 22. We are all worried about him and want to know that he is safe.”
The post was shared dozens if not hundreds of times.
Joel was a powerful artistic force whose tireless work ethic as an artist was matched only by his love of the people of Fort Worth. His murals adorn Avoca Coffee Roasters’ West Magnolia Avenue location, Spiral Diner & Bakery also on Magnolia, and many other local establishments.
Joel continuously pushed himself and those around him to think bigger. Last year, I asked him if Fort Worth was ready to host the national and international artists he brought to Shipping & Receiving Bar last May for his group show Pass the Peas.
“If we’re not taking advantage of [what we have here], we’re idiots,” he said. “People want something new. This is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. We can’t just be doing the same shit over and over.”
Pass the Peas had become biannual, attracting artists from all over the world. After exhausting the possibilities of house shows, Joel was building a network between local artists and buyers and artists from across the globe. His visions always seemed one step ahead of his adopted home city, but Fort Worth always found a way to step up to meet his ever-growing standards.
Joel was a friend of mine and a dear friend to many in the local arts scene. He was universally loved and respected. He will be missed dearly.
I’m deeply saddened.
Jeremy Joel was integral in helping our Fort Worth Arts Community reach the next level. He was talented, adored and will be greatly missed. I know his legacy and vision will continue. #rip
Thank you Edward. The picture was taken at Opal’s Farm last year. I remember the day vividly.. I was so proud of my son, Jeremy and that he wanted to have a photo shoot with me at the farm. I’m so glad he had friends like you to share his work with Fort Worth. You have no idea what this means to me. Greg Joel
Had the joy of meeting and chatting with him a few times, he worked close with my company during the last several months. He was such a bright light.
I am just hearing the news that Jeremy is gone from earth. Such a talented, kind and brilliant friend. I’ll miss seeing him and shooting the shit every time we ran into each other. But I will always have those memories and his artwork to remember him by. Rest easy pal.
I watched that kid and his brother Adrian grow up over past 30 years. How do I say good byes to Jeremy and the many we’ve lost over the last month, one even being my brother. I just know that WE have been blessed to have enjoyed these beautiful spirits that pass through our lives.