Local musician Pete Platek dies

ASPEN ” Longtime local musician and chef Pete Platek of Aspen reportedly died Friday as a result of complications from an injury to his arm.

The Mesa County Coroner’s Office confirmed Friday evening that Platek died at 2:05 p.m., although a spokesman said he did not have the cause of death available. Hospital administrator Scott Coleman said he, also, was not aware of the cause of death.

Platek played banjo and guitar and sang for the Lone Pine Bluegrass Band, as well as working as a chef in the area. He reportedly had been in the valley for approximately 15 to 20 years.

He injured his arm Thursday, had it treated at Aspen Valley Hospital and was released, according to friends.

But on Friday, Platek was back in the hospital for treatment of an unexplained problem. He was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction for emergency care, where he died, friends said.

Platek is survived by his wife, Diane, and a child.