Former '80s pop star Eugene Hunt of The Jets and Boys Club passed away during heart surgery following complications that emerged after he collapsed in a Mormon church, Mail Online reported.

Eugene Hunt, known for his vibrant stage presence and charismatic performances with the family band The Jets in the 1980s, experienced a severe health episode while at his Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He fainted and sustained a head injury while working in the church's library, which set off a chain of events leading to his untimely death.

Eugene Hunt's Ill-fated Day at the Church

The incident at the church was immediately concerning, as Haini Wolfgramm, a fellow musician and close friend pointed out, "He collapsed at church probably due to lack of oxygen and was passed out for a while."

Promptly after the incident, his wife Michelle rushed him to the emergency room, emphasizing the gravity of his condition.

Due to the head trauma he suffered when he fainted, doctors held off on performing the heart exploratory tests.

This decision was to ensure that Hunt was stable enough to endure the necessary diagnostic procedures without further endangering his health.

However, this delay brought its risks, illustrating the delicate balance doctors had to maintain in treating his multiple injuries.

Understanding Eugene's Medical Challenges

As Hunt’s cardiac problems required intricate examination, doctors finally proceeded with the heart tests after he initially recovered from his fall.

Band leader LeRoy Wolfgramm shared the tragic turnaround during the procedure: "They put him under and his wife was told it would be a quick check. But that turned into hours as he ended up having a heart attack on the table." Despite the medical team's efforts, Hunt did not survive the surgery.

Eugene Hunt was a crucial member of the Jets, a Tongan-American family pop group that rose to fame between 1985 and 1990. He later continued his musical journey with the duo Boys Club.

Beyond his stage career, Hunt had been a significant part of the Salt Lake City community since he moved there at age four with his parents, Francis and Alofa Hunt.

Remembering Eugene Hunt's Musical Legacy

His influence extended beyond personal ties; Hunt rejoined The Jets briefly in 1990 to record tracks for a best-of album, highlighting his enduring connection to the band. His commitment to his craft was evident as he significantly reduced live performances but remained engaged in discussions about the music business.

According to Haini, "Gene commanded that stage, he had such a presence about him, he was just captivating."

Hunt's charm was not only in his performance but also in his personality. Haini fondly remembered his wit and humor, "He was such a witty person. If someone asked him something he could come up with terrific one-liners. He made people laugh."

Intricacies of Eugene's Place in the Wolfgramm Family

Though not formally adopted, Hunt was considered part of the Wolfgramm family, a relationship that LeRoy emphasized, "He was adopted in the Tongan sense. I don’t believe there was ever a formal adoption but he was so close to our family growing up that he became one of us."

This non-formal adoption highlighted the deep interpersonal connections that Hunt had developed over the years, which extended into his professional realm as well.

LeRoy shared a poignant memory of their last interaction, reflecting on the depth of their relationship and collaboration, "I spoke to him just two nights before he passed. We were working on some music tracks that he needed my input for." This conversation underscores the continuous creative engagement that defined Hunt's life.

The Jets currently maintain a residency in Las Vegas, where they pay tribute to Hunt, keeping his memory and contributions to music alive.

Eugene Hunt will be remembered not only for his music but as a family-oriented man who left a lasting impact on those around him. His death, following complications from a cardiac problem and his dedicated life in music, marks the end of an era for those who knew him and admired his work.