WILTON, N.H. (AP) – Guitarist Rod Price, founding member of the blues boogie band Foghat, died Tuesday after falling down a stairway at his home, a family friend said Wednesday.

“No one can understand it; it was just a freak accident,” said Ressie Berkebile. “Everyone’s trying to absorb the shock of it,” he told The Telegraph.

Price was 57.

The London native’s solos drove Foghat to three platinum and eight gold records during the band’s quarter-century career. After many years of touring he settled in Wilton in 1994.

Many in town knew Price as a loving dad who never missed his son’s baseball, soccer or basketball games. Fewer people knew of Price’s musical background.

Price had played with Champion Jack Dupree, Duster Bennett, Eddie Kirkland, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon and Honey Boy Edwards.

In recent years, Price concentrated on his blues projects, cutting several CDs in past few years and giving private guitar lessons at his his home.

Price is survived by his wife, Jackie; son Rory; mother; brother; and four stepchildren.

A memorial service will held Saturday at the Nelson Funeral Home.