Rick “Mayday” May unexpectedly died on Friday (March 24) after a fungal infection he had been battling led to other complications that resulted in liver failure. He was 54.

Between 1991 and 2000, May released three albums with his band The Walter Eugenes, but is known by those who have followed Christian music as DC Talk’s (TobyMac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max) touring drummer (“Welcome to the Freak Show,” “Supernatural Tour,” “Solo Tour”) and his work on their Grammy-nominated “Supernatural” album.

May also helped form the band Zilch, which consisted of DC Talk band members and which eventually paved the way for the the Dove Award-winning band Sonicflood to be formed. The talented musician later become MeryMe’s sound man and was actively serving as such for the last seven years.

May had a music studio located in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he influenced and provided guidance for many upcoming bands, many of which went on to sign recording contracts with Christian record labels.