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Markus Sandlund, the cellist for the Stockholm Strings and Horns who recently played on Brian Wilson's SMiLE, has been reported missing from Phuket, Thailand, in the wake of December 26th's devastating tsunami.
Wilson issued a statement from Los Angeles yesterday, saying that he is "devastated" at the news. "We have sent an agent to see what we can find out," he said, "but as of today we have been unable to locate Markus . . . My prayers go out to all of the victims and their families, and I would ask you to say a prayer for Markus' safe return."
A graduate of the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sandlund has also performed with the late Ray Charles.
Following a tour with Wilson in Australia and New Zealand, the twenty-nine-year-old Sandlund went on vacation in Thailand with his girlfriend, identified as Sophia. The couple was at the pool of the Khao Lak Orchid Beach Resort when the tsunami hit. Sophia, who was dragged out to sea, was eventually rescued but has not seen Sandlund since the disaster. She is currently recovering in a hospital in Sweden.
Wilson is asking that anyone with information as to Sandlund's whereabouts send an email to info@brianwilson.com.