At a Glance
- Max Zape, a 62-year-old musician from Chula Vista, died in a kitchen fire on Monday.
- The blaze broke out while he and his 96-year-old mother were home; both were rescued through a window.
- A memorial will be held on Feb. 1 from 2-5 p.m., and a fundraiser has been set up to cover funeral costs and his mother’s recovery.
Why it matters: The loss of a local music legend and the impact on his family and community highlight the sudden dangers of home fires.
The community of Chula Vista mourns the sudden death of Max Zape, a beloved musician whose influence spanned Southern California. The fire that claimed his life unfolded early Monday morning, leaving his mother in critical condition and sparking a swift rescue effort.
A Life in Music
Max Zape grew up in Chula Vista and became known for his versatility across instruments-keyboard, flute, saxophone, and drums. He earned the nickname “the Wikipedia of music” among peers for his encyclopedic knowledge of recording credits.
Musicians who worked with him recalled his collaborative spirit:
- “There are very few musicians in San Diego County who wouldn’t know who I was talking about,” said fellow musician Eric Mabrey.
- “I don’t even have to say his last name.”
Long-time bandmate Patrick Yandall added, “We performed pretty much all over Southern California together. He became a good friend, good confidant and good sounding board for when I was trying to do different things.”
Friends also spoke of Zape’s influence on those around him. Childhood best friend Ricky Feria, now in Arizona, keeps a keyboard in his living area because of Zape’s encouragement:
> “I kind of drifted from all of that, but he kept steering me back into music,” Feria said. “And so that’s just kind of the relationship we had.”
The Fire
On Monday morning, Zape and his mother, Chris, were at home when a kitchen fire erupted. The exact cause of the fire was not disclosed, but emergency responders acted swiftly.
Firefighters pulled both Zape and his mother out through a window. Eric Mabrey described the rescue:
> “They were both pulled out through a window by the firefighters.”
The blaze caused extensive damage to the house, leaving the community to grapple with the loss of a cherished resident and the physical destruction of his home.
Hospital and Family Impact
Zape’s mother was transported to Hillcrest Medical Center at UC San Diego Health. As of Friday, she remained in the ICU, with her condition described as potentially unstable:
> “They said her condition could change at any moment and that they’re not sure if she even knows her only son is gone.”
Neighbors and friends noted the profound effect of Zape’s death on his mother’s well-being. Gina Welker, a local resident, expressed concern:
> “Now that Max is gone, there is no permanent caregiver,” Welker said. “And then, with the house having been damaged by fire, who knows what’s going to be here.”
The loss of Zape also left a gap in the community’s cultural life. His instruments remain in the damaged house, a silent testament to his legacy.
Memorial and Fundraising
The community has organized a memorial to honor Zape’s life and contributions. The event will take place at Humphreys Backstage on Shelter Island on Feb. 1 from 2-5 p.m.
In addition to the memorial, a fundraiser has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support his mother’s recovery after she leaves the hospital. Friends and fans are encouraged to contribute to ensure that Zape’s family receives the necessary assistance during this difficult time.
Key Takeaways
- Max Zape, a 62-year-old Chula Vista musician, died in a kitchen fire on Monday.
- He and his 96-year-old mother were rescued by firefighters but the mother remains in critical condition.
- The community is commemorating Zape with a memorial on Feb. 1 and a fundraiser to aid his family.
- The incident underscores the importance of fire safety and the profound impact a single loss can have on a local community.
The sudden tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring influence one individual can have on the cultural fabric of a city.
