Rhys Celeste: Social media mourns electro-music performer's passing

Rhys Celeste, known as Microlith in electronic music circles, died in a traffic accident on Sunday, and social media came alive with condolence messages and recollections of the 24-year-old

Rhys Celeste
Rhys Celeste

Relatives, friends and acquaintances of Rhys Celeste took to social media to express their incredulity and sadness at the death of the 24-year-old from Birzebbugia, who passed away in a traffic accident in Mosta on Sunday.

Celeste was in a group with six other riders when, travelling down Vjal Millbrae twords Burmarrad, he lost control of his vehicle and veered onto an oncoming bus.

He was certified dead on the scene.

On Facebook, many commented on how Celeste’s passing was a loss for the local music scene; performing as ‘Microlith’, he had a strong following on the electronic music scene.

Central Processing Unit noted that a “a dear member of the CPU family has passed. RIP Rhys Celeste aka Microlith. Tragic news. So young and so full of talent.”

Bug Klinik Records, working on a new release by Celsete (aka Microlith) wrote: “In stead of announcing a new release by Microlith / Rhys Celeste it's with deep sadness we have to announce his passing away from this planet onto the next level. Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends which we'd like to wish strength in these difficult times :( xxx “

David Barnard sent his condolences from abroad. “RIP to my Braindancer Rhys Celeste , I am so sorry to hear this tragic news , Malta crew my heart goes out to you all...Stay strong.”

Owen Xerri highlighted the music scene’s loss: “Just noticed that one of my favorite Maltese artist and one of the most talented Rhys Celeste passed away in an traffic accident simply shocked no words it's a sad day for the Maltese electronic scene.”

Justin Meli had been working with Celeste on a track for his new album. “Conversation sal bierah fuq l mużika.. Fuq track ġdida ta l album tijej. Adni ma nistax nemmen u ma nafx x nista ngħid. Wiehed min l Ifjen artisti li kelna f'l elettronika, dedikat u dejjem għamel li has. Grazzi tal mużika u tal ħbiberija. Rhys Celeste dejjem lest Bit tongue in cheek comment,” Meli wrote. “Kont għadni ma sibtx isem adattat għal din It track pero żgur se jkolla x taqsam mighek. Condoljanzi lil familja.”

"No words can explain how shocked I am," wirte Thea Abegail. "No one will ever forget your laugh and I'll never forget how I called you Reese's Pieces for a whole year without you even knowing why yet burst out laughing every time I did ... RIP my friend you will truly be missed. Condolences to the Celeste Family."

Childhood school friend Christina Abdilla said: "No words to describe this... Primary school days never forgotten. May you rest in peace old friend X."

Toruism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis left his condolences for the family, particularly Rhys’ father, who works at tourism ministry.

“Kondoljanzi minn qalbi lill-familja Celeste u b' mod partikolari lil habib tieghi Joe Celeste li huwa haddiem flimkien mieghi fil-Ministeru ghat-Turizmu,” he wrote.

Justice minister Owen Bonniici seems to know Celeste’s family. “Ahbar li xxukkjatni. Kondoljanzi lill-familja Celeste. Solidarjeta' shiha f'dan il-mument difficli.”