Celebrities mourn Nick Alexander, merch manager killed in Paris attack

The band members of Eagles of Death Metal may have escaped the Paris attacks relatively unscathed, but a member of their tour — merchandise manager Nick Alexander — was gunned down in the Bataclan theatre. He was 36.

“It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night. Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle; he was everyone’s best friend — generous, funny and fiercely loyal,” Alexander’s family said in a statement to the media. “Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.”

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Alexander, a British citizen, fulfilled similar duties in the past on tours with other musical acts, including Canadian band Sum 41, Alice in Chains, Panic! at the Disco and The Black Keys. Band members from all around the world took to social media to express their sorrow over Alexander’s death.

Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman tweeted:

Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

My thoughts are with everyone affected by the attacks that happened yesterday in Paris. I had quite a few friends who were at the Bataclan. One in particular Nick Alexander. He was killed yesterday. He had done quite a bit of touring with us as our European Merch man. He was one of the sweetest most pleasant guys to be around. Sending my love to everyone who knew him and especially his family.

A post shared by Patrick Carney (@officerpatrickcarney) on Nov 14, 2015 at 1:17pm PST

Alice in Chains posted this on Facebook:

Alexander’s girlfriend, Polina Buckley, expressed her love via Twitter:

Alexander’s friends have set up a GoFundMe account to help his family pay for memorial costs. Among the first of the victims to be named, Alexander was one of 129 people killed in the attacks. ISIS has claimed responsibility, and France has already landed airstrikes against alleged ISIS strongholds in Syria.