HELLDRIVERS Lyricist Rob Meuer Dead After Hit And Run

Rob Meurer, the lyricist behind the recently shuttered new musical HELLDRIVERS OF DAYTONA, was struck by a hit-and-run driver on the evening of Friday, Sept. 23 in Studio City, CA and died from his injuries on Saturday, Sept. 24.

He was 65 years old and is survived by his wife Beth and daughter Anne.

In a prepared statement to Broadway World Chicago, HELLDRIVERS OF DAYTONA co-producer Richard Friedman said he considers himself fortunate for having known and worked with Meurer.

"Our show may have been his last project, but his career was full of successes, especially his decades-long association with the prominent performer Christopher Cross. Rob toured internationally as his keyboard player and co-wrote many songs with Christopher, who was with us on the Helldrivers Opening Night to support his friend. Rob and his wife, Beth Meurer, founded a vibrant musical theatre program for young people in Los Angeles called Rising Star. He was a great collaborator and friend to all who knew him. He had impeccable taste and an encyclopedic knowledge of music from the past and present. His light will continue to shine and I'll keep learning from the music and words he shared with me and so many others."

HELLDRIVERS OF DAYTONA opened at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago on Sept. 12 and closed Sept. 15. Producers did not immediately indicate how Meurer's death will impact their future plans to re-work the show.

See the L.A. Daily News for more information on the accident and its investigation: http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20160926/man-sought-in-hit-and-run-that-killed-songwriter-rob-meurer-in-studio-city