Dennis Flemion, one half of the influential indie rock group The Frogs, is missing and presumed dead. According to the Milwuakee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, Flemion went for a swim while spending time with family and friends on Wind Lake in Racine, Wisconsin last Saturday and has not resurfaced.

Formed in 1980 by Dennis and brother Jimmy Flemion, The Frogs were one of the oddest, funniest and most talented groups to arise out of ’80s indie. While it’s rare to see any of their records on any “greatest albums” lists, the appeal of their work stretched far beyond the state of Wisconsin. Aside from their costumed stage show and their goofy but often catchy songs, they are known to most outsiders for having many successful musicians champion their work, namely Billy Corgan and Kurt Cobain. They have likewise worked with several established musicians, having appeared on the gorgeous Smashing Pumpkins B-side “Medellia of the Gray Skies” and as well as contributing a cover of “Rearviewmirror” on the flipside of Pearl Jam‘s “Immortality” single among numerous other appearances.

An incredibly prolific band, The Frogs have been going strong for over 30 years, having just released two new albums on iTunes last week, “Squirrel Bunny Jupiter Deluxe” and “Count Yer Blessingsz.” The band’s impact will be remembered forever and Dennis Flemion will be greatly missed.

Read a very touching and personal note from Matador Records’ Gerard Cosloy on Matablog here and check out a clip of The Frogs in action with Billy Corgan playing “I Only Play For Money” at a show in 1994.

The Frogs — “I Only Play For Money”