Word spread on social media today that Ultra Music Festival (UMF) co-founder Alex Omes has passed away.According to the medical examiner’s office, he died Monday (12th Jan) at 10:37 pm. No other details were provided, and there has been no stated caused of death. A
The news was also confirmed by Ultra themselves to Miami New Times:
The organisers of Ultra Music Festival extend their deepest condolences to the family of Alex Omes and are saddened by the news of his passing. We will continue to remember and celebrate Alex for his love, passion, and contributions to the Electronic Dance Music community.
Alex Omes was 43 years old.
Source: Mixmag
His greatest legacy was having founded UMF in 1999 with then-partner Russell Faibisch, and oversaw the company swell in stature and influence to become one of the biggest dance music festivals in North America. The first Ultra party in 1999 drew around 10,000 fans and DJs such as Josh Wink and Paul van Dyk.
In 2001, it was moved from Collins Park in South Beach to Bayfront Park downtown to fit more attendees. He separated from the company in 2010, though continued to promote and run massive shows in and around Miami. He is credited as being one of the most influential figures in the resurgence of American dance music.
James Fowell, Alex Omes, & Pete Tong (Source: worldredeye.com)
Today, the festival welcomes hundreds of thousands of fans each year, and has spawned events in Brazil, South Korea, Croatia, Chile, Argentina, Ibiza and South Africa. Although it was not initially tied to the New York-based EDM label Ultra Records, the two formed a partnership in 2012.
Sources: Miami New Times, Mixmag, Billboard.