ROCK STAR TRAGEDY
Junkyard singer David Roach dead at 59 following ‘very aggressive’ cancer battle – just two weeks after getting married
His death comes only weeks after his then fiancee shared a devastating update
- Chris Bradford, Assistant News Editor
- Published: 8:54, 4 Aug 2025
- Updated: 13:03, 4 Aug 2025
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ROCK star David Roach has died at the age of 59 after battling cancer.
The musician passed away on August 2, according to a post shared by the hard rock band Junkyard.
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Roach, who co-founded the rock band in 1987, died just two weeks after he married his wife Jennifer.
He was battling a form of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma that affected his head, neck and throat, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Junkyard announced his death in a social media post.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach,” the band said.
“After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife.
“He was a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer — but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother.
“Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.”
In June, Junkyard shared a social media post explaining that Roach’s cancer was “aggressive”.
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Roach and Jennifer were said to be shattered by his diagnosis.
“It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it,” she wrote on social media.
“David is showing such incredible strength and resilience, and even in the midst of this darkness, he’s still managing to keep his sense of humor. It’s a reminder of how amazing he is.
“But we know this journey ahead will be extremely tough, David made it clear he is not giving up hope and we’re going to need all of your love and prayers.”
Roach performed alongside the guitarist Chris Gates, bassist Clay Anthony, drummer Patrick Muzingo, and guitarist Brian Baker between 1987 and 1992.
The band performed in live shows in the early 2000s, and released what was their first studio album in more than 20 years in 2017.
Squamous cell carcinoma
SQUAMOUS cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK and US.
Symptoms
- Scaly red patches
- Growths on skin
- Open sores
- Nodules
- Mouth sores
Squamous cell carcinoma isn’t usually life-threatening but can become aggressive if left untreated.
The cancer is caused by too much ultraviolet radiation and can spread to other parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma can either be treated via surgery or radiotherapy.
Surgeons may carry out Mohs surgery, which involves trimming away layers of skin until there is no cancer present.
Most patients who receive Mohs surgery are often discharged from hospital after their procedure, meaning they do not have to stay overnight.
A combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy may be used to treat more aggressive cases.
Tributes have been paid to Roach following his death.
Award-winning composer Jake Curtis Allard said Roach was an ‘excellent’ singer.
Music stars Chip Z’Nuff and Danko Jones have also sent their condolences.
Squamous cell carcinoma is usually not life-threatening, but if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
It is a common type of skin cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Nodules, which are bumps on the skin, are a symptom of the cancer.
This bump can be the same color as the skin or different.
Other symptoms include sores inside the mouth, or a sore on old skin.
Health chiefs urge anyone with symptoms to book an appointment with their local doctor if a sore doesn’t heal within two months.
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Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common type of skin cancer in both the UK and US.
Around 1.8 million cases of squamous cell carcinoma are reported across the US, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
