The steelpan and by extension cultural fraternity has lost another icon in Milton “Wire” Austin, who died on Sunday. 

The news of his passing was confirmed in a brief statement from the Fonclaire Steel Orchestra- of which Austin was a founding member and also served as CEO.

“The Board of Directors, Management and Members of Fonclaire, are sad to announce the passing of Milton “Wire” Austin, this morning at 6:10 a.m. Details on funeral arrangements would be forthcoming. FONCLAIRE FOREVER and ever and ever,” the statement read. 

Just last month, Austin was among several other icons to be honored for their contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, as part of the city of San Fernando’s quest to pay homage to icons who helped shape the City’s cultural landscape.

In 1992, he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Silver for his cultural work.