The musician’s wife confirmed the news, saying he had been hospitalized for acute pancreatitis.
Steinhardt’s widow, Cindy, shared the news on Facebook in a written statement.
“Our final journey started May 13 when Robby was admitted into the hospital with acute pancreatitis.
Robert Steinhardt performing with Kansas in New York, December 1977.Michael Putland/Getty Images
Later that night he went into acute septic shock and was placed on life support.
Outlook was very grave as he wasn’t expected to live through the night,“she wrote.
Once again he cheated death and the road to recovery had begun.”
Steinhardt left the band in 1983 to form Steinhardt-Moon but later returned in 1997.
Cindy further noted he had planned to go on tour in August.
“I encourage you to share your stories and pictures of Robby on his page.
Steinhardt is survived by Cindy and daughter Becky.
