Memphis Musician Dead After Setting Himself on Fire at Crowded Bar

Memphis Musician Dead After Setting Himself on Fire at Crowded Bar

Jared McLemore, a musician from Memphis, died early Saturday morning at a hospital after setting himself on fire and entering a crowded bar, WREG reports. McLemore, 33, broadcast his actions on Facebook Live. Witnesses said McLemore was across the street from Murphy’s—a bar in Memphis where the bands Aktion Kat and Billie Dove were performing—when he doused himself in kerosene and set himself on fire. He then allegedly entered the bar, where his ex-girlfriend Alyssa Moore was working as a sound engineer.

Moore told FOX13 that McLemore set himself on fire at her workplace “so she could see the horror for herself.” When police arrived, McLemore had sustained severe burns; they took him to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. Another man allegedly suffered serious burns after attempting to kick a lighter out of McLemore’s hand; he’s expected to recover. 

McLemore was reportedly arrested last year after assaulting Moore and threatening to kill her; he was sentenced to probation earlier this year on domestic assault charges. Moore reportedly had a restraining order against him. A GoFundMe page, which was shared by several Memphis musicians, has been set up to help cover the costs of Moore’s trauma therapy and damaged equipment.

McLemore worked an audio engineer at Memphis’ legendary Ardent Studios. “We were saddened to hear about the passing of Jared McLemore and the circumstances surrounding his death,” Ardent’s general manager Ryan Wiley said in a statement.

“Our family here at MURPHY’S would like to thank all of you for your kind words and thoughts at this time,” the venue wrote following the incident. “Our crew is safe. We will let you know more details as permitted. Peace be with us all.” Murphy’s is one of the Memphis venues that hosts the annual Gonerfest.

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