Dr. Richard Mercier, Georgia Southern University department of music chair, passed away unexpectedly on Friday night.

Christian Flathman, Vice President of Marketing for GSU, confirmed Mercier’s death.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Richard Mercier.  Not only was Richard a talented teacher, performer and mentor, he was also a friend.  On behalf of the entire eagle nation our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” Flathman said in an official statement from the university.

A Statesboro Police Department incident report stated that an officer responded to the residence in reference to a sick person. EMS arrived and the subject was transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center where he died, the report said.

Mercier has been a part of GSU faculty since 2008 and was a well-known pianist, according to the GSU website.

No further details regarding the cause of death were available.