Jeff Kaplan

When it came to live music, friends of Jeff Kaplan say he was one of the best.

The 43-year-old Annapolis resident traveled all over the world, managing tours and mixing sound boards for acts ranging from Annapolis-based rock band Jimmie's Chicken Shack to internationally known hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg.

Over the past year, Kaplan told friends he wanted to work gigs closer to home, so he could spend more time with his 7-year-old daughter, Vivien.

But this week, those close to Kaplan are mourning his death.

Kaplan was struck and killed by a sport utility vehicle early Wednesday morning following an accident on Route 50.

The tragedy shocked Kaplan's family, friends and others in the music industry.

"So many people loved him," said Jimi Davies, front man for Jimmie's Chicken Shack. "He was an amazing person, a great father, just an all-around great guy."

Kaplan's daughter, a student at Montessori International Children's School, gained national attention in November for her rendition of "Let it Go" from the Disney animated feature "Frozen" in the Sing Your Heart Out competition, sponsored by Disney and Kohl's. Vivien made it to the Top 10. Nearly 4,000 children entered.

Vivien's mother, Melanie Loughry, said Kaplan adored his daughter. They went to Baltimore Orioles' games, traveled to California and spent as much time together as they could when Kaplan wasn't touring.

"He loved her so much," Loughry said. "He was always so supportive of her theater and her singing and her education. He really believed in her and was a really good, supportive father."

Kaplan's Twitter page features photos of him and his daughter, along with links to the "Frozen" contest and his daughter's performances.

"When things like this happen so suddenly, you're just never prepared," Loughry said.

Former Jimmie's Chicken Shack guitarist Matt Jones said Kaplan was well known in the music community. Jones described his longtime friend and former roommate as funny, laid back and "cool."

"He got along with everybody," Jones said.

Davies knew Kaplan for more than 20 years. The pair toured the country together and, over the last two decades, became close friends.

"Heaven just became a better place," Davies said.

Kaplan attended Annapolis High School and Full Sail University, a for-profit college in Florida, where he studied the recording arts.

Throughout his career he worked with a number of well-known acts, including Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Snoop Dogg, Buckcherry and the Plain White T's. Most recently he was working with Florida-based rock band A Day to Remember.

"He was very knowledgeable and at the top of his field for sure," Jones said.

When he wasn't on tour, Kaplan would fill in as a sound engineer at local music venues.

Rams Head On Stage Marketing Director Laura Price said Kaplan will be missed.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of his loss," Price said, "and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."