Tommy Keegan, founder of the iconic Kingston brewery Keegan Ales, has died. According to the brewery, Keegan suffered an apparent heart attack while out riding Friday, April 30.

“Late Friday afternoon Tommy was out doing what he loved most in the world — riding his ‘Cappuccino Machine’ on the trails with his best motorcycle buddy when he suffered what appears to be a heart attack,” the brewery stated. “Despite the heroic efforts of his buddy and the speedy response by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and EMTs, they were not able to save him.”

Keegan Ales, located on St. James Street in Midtown, is one of the city’s most popular spots, playing host to innumerable local bands, and is its oldest and most successful craft brewery. Keegan Ales' beers have won numerous awards; Tommy and his colleagues played a huge and indispensable role in getting the craft beer movement going in the Hudson Valley.

The news of his passing brought an outpouring of grief and remembrances on Saturday.

“So much respect for the way he opened up his brewery as a space for all types of events and gatherings,” wrote former BSP event-stager Mike Amari on Facebook. “Kingston would not be what it is without him. Damn.”

“I am saddened by the loss of one our finest Kingston residents and a friend, Tommy Keegan,” Mayor Steve Noble stated. “Tommy had a big heart, was a huge booster for this community, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Wrote local musician Lara Hope, who rocked Keegan’s stage often and well, “Another amazing human gone way too soon. Kingston will never be the same without you. Thank you for everything you did for me, and the community, Tommy Keegan.”

The brewery asked that people respect the family’s privacy at this time; a celebration of Keegan’s life will be set for a later date. “But for now, the brewery will be open as usual. Our team has decided it's what Tommy would want,” the brewery stated. “And in his own words: Have FUN. Play Nice.”