In Memoriam: Midas Well

Late last week, the Eugene community lost a shining light with the sudden passing of Midas Well–also known as Kaos Incarnate—an outspoken activist, chef, lover of EDM, and legendary shitposter on social media. 

According to close friends and family, Well passed away from an accidental Fentanyl overdose after taking laced medication from a coworker.

As one of Black Unity’s leaders, Well’s guttural deep voice was an unmistakable one heard during protests throughout Eugene, Springfield, and Portland in 2020. If their voice wasn’t heard leading one of the many chants they wrote, the wheels of their longboard rolling across the asphalt was. 

When the protests subsided, Well took their passion for the culinary arts and began studies at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating earlier this year. Throughout that time, they posted their unforgettable culinary triumphs and disasters with friends and family on Facebook, always keeping their community updated with the latest adventure. As a result of their culinary studies in Napa Valley, they grew to have a love-hate relationship with pastries and a newfound passion for fine wine. 

Most recently, Well was taking over their household kitchen testing recipes for the planned opening of Curry Up!, a Thai curry food cart that they were about to open.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2 p.m. on Nov. 26 at The Hybrid in the Whiteaker neighborhood. The celebration will be followed by a candlelight march at 5 p.m. led by Trish Lipton and Black Unity’s leadership. The march will end at 255 Madison St., where Ben Maude will open Curry Up! and cook Well’s Thai curry recipe for one night only. A GoFundMe for the celebration has been created.

They are survived by their mother, father, three siblings, their two partners, their dog Romeo, and all those whose lives they touched.

Our condolences go out to Midas’ family, friends, and the community at large.