Michigan Man Dies During Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary Concert in San Francisco

Fred Cothard, a 54-year-old carpenter from Michigan and devoted Grateful Dead fan, tragically collapsed and died during the band's 60th anniversary concert in San Francisco while dancing to the song "They Love Each Other." His partner, Jody Leddy, shared a poignant photo taken just two hours before his collapse and described holding him until he passed at the hospital. Cothard had owned and operated Cothard Construction & Remodeling Inc. for decades, serving the Michiana area, and was deeply passionate about traveling to see the Grateful Dead and Dead & Company shows nationwide. His sudden death left his children and family in deep grief, prompting them to establish a GoFundMe to cover funeral and repatriation expenses. The family emphasized his endless love for them and the Grateful Dead community, highlighting that music was a central part of his life. Though the cause of death was unspecified, Cothard’s final moments were surrounded by the music and community he cherished.