Alexi Laiho widow Kelly Wright-Laiho-min
[Photo via @kelli_wright_laiho on Instagram]

Alexi Laiho’s widow Kelli reacts to outpouring of support following his death

Earlier this week, we learned that Alexi Laiho, legendary Children of Bodom frontman and guitarist, tragically passed away.

Now, his wife Kelli Wright-Laiho, has reacted to the outpouring of support she has received following the passing of her husband.

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Alexi Laiho passed away in his Helsinki home following a battle with long-term health issues. Laiho was best known as the frontman and guitarist for Children Of Bodom and the metal supergroup Bodom After Midnight.

On Jan. 4, Napalm Records released a statement to CNN confirming the news of his death.

“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho,” the statement says.

Now, Kelli Wright-Laiho is publicly thanking fans for their support. In an Instagram post, Kelli says the entire family is taking time to grieve, but they truly appreciate the support they’ve received this week.

“Thankyou all so much for your beautiful energy and support,” she says. “I’m taking time out to grieve our enormous loss with our immediate Finnish and Australian family. Understandably, as you are, we’re completely broken but wanted you to know, We love and appreciate you all so much.”

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Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen formed Children of Bodom all the way back in 1993. Soon after, the band went on to become one of Finland’s most internationally acclaimed metal acts up until their farewell concert back in December 2019. To date, Children of Bodom have sold over 250,000 albums in their native Finland.

Additionally, Laiho created the supergroup Bodom After Midnight last year. Together, the band recorded three songs and shot a music video, set to arrive posthumously.

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Over the years, Laiho has received various awards for his trailblazing career in metal music. Guitar World Magazine readers even voted Laiho the Best Metal Guitarist. As well, the guitarist led a group of one hundred guitar players at the 2015 Helsinki Festival. Together, they performed “100 Guitars From Hel,” a massive concert piece completely composed by Laiho.

Since the news of his death, fans, friends and fellow musicians have taken to social media to honor Laiho. Megadeth‘s Dave Mustaine penned an emotional tweet remembering the Children of Bodom guitarist.

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So sad to hear about the passing of Alexi Laiho. We often toured together, he was truly an incredible talent. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans.”

Swedish metal band Amon Amarth also shared a tweet reacting to the news of Laiho’s death.

Berserkers, we are saddened by the unfortunate passing of our brother Alexi Laiho. We have shared the stage many times together and always had a good time with him and the rest of the Children of Bodom crew. A true guitar hero gone too soon, RIP Alexi.. Photo: Veronika Nyssa”

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Lamb Of God‘s Mark Morton called Laiho “a monumental talent” in a tweet.

Alexi Laiho was a monumental talent & a genuine, caring & thoughtful person. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alexi”

They are just a few of the individuals to pay tribute to Laiho this week.

Our thoughts go out to Alexi Laiho’s family during this time.