Travis Hough, a musician and therapist who graduated from Benicia High in 1999, was among the 36 who died in the Oakland warehouse fire. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Lanier)

On Friday, Dec. 2, a fire broke out at the Ghost Ship warehouse and art collective in Oakland during an electronic music concert, killing 36 people, many of them musicians or artists.

One of those who tragically died in the fire was Travis Hough, a 1999 Benicia High School graduate who was a member of the Oakland-based electronica band Ghost of Lightning, where he performed under the name Travis Blitzen. The band is described on its Facebook page as “music captured in mid-flight by Travis Blitzen and set free through the help of many contributors and friends” with the goal being “to create a collective experiencing of music and art in the internal and external worlds.”

In addition to creating musical therapy, Hough also worked as an expressive arts therapist at Montalvin Manor Elementary School in Richmond. He had also done similar work at Helm Middle School in San Pablo and King Elementary in Richmond and was a graduate of the California College of the Arts.

James Garrett, who taught history to Hough at Benicia High for three years, remembered him as a quiet but articulate student who exhibited a lot of respect toward others.

“Travis was quiet but spoke up when he felt the need,” he said. “He was one of those ‘kids’ who quietly made his point. He was always polite and respectful and had a ready smile.”

Garrett also admired Hough’s selflessness.

“He was a good young man who cared for others and was himself,” he said. “That was apparent in both his lifestyle and his chosen work in life.”

Friends have taken to Hough’s Facebook page to express condolences, and a GoFundMe page was set up by Yannis Valencia Houser, a friend of Travis’ sister Ashley Lanier. The funds, which had exceeded the $20,000 goal in just four days, will assist with service and burial as well as transportation expenses and help provide time off from work for Hough’s family to mourn. Donations are still being accepted at gofundme.com/travis-hough-serviceexpenses-fund. Additionally, a YouCaring site has been set up for Hough’s fiancee, Louisa LeMauviel, at youcaring.com/louisalemauviel-709203. Funds will help her pay rent and bills, receive therapy and take time off work.

The Herald is working to put together a tribute article to Hough, featuring memories by those who knew him. If you have a memory you’d like to share, please email beniciaherald@gmail.com.

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