Last August, Primus singer and bassist Les Claypool auctioned one of his prototype Pachyderm basses to help raise funds to pay for mounting medical costs for his nephew, Matthew Pierce, who was battling infant leukemia. Claypool reported today that Matthew died on Friday night at the age of two from complications related to the disease.

"My heart aches for my brother Ron, his wife Aimee and his kids Isaiah, Noah and Lilly," Claypool said in a statement. "It has been an extraordinarily tough road for my bro and his family and I want to thank everyone who has reached out to help them over the past couple years. The amount of support they have received has been phenomenal and very touching.

"Matthew was a tough little guy who beat the odds for much longer than anyone ever thought. Because of him and his tenacious struggle, there has been more knowledge accumulated in the procedures of how to treat infant's leukemia and the potential for survival is that much greater. Even though he was just a tot, he has done a great service to those future children who may be misfortunate enough to contract this mysterious and deadly disease."

Les Claypool Auctions Prototype Bass

Further information about Claypool's nephew can be found at the website for Baby Matthew, which has a donation option and also links to sites that offer more information about leukemia.

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