Jiří Valenta, Former Olympic Band Keyboardist, Dies at 66

Jiří Valenta, a former keyboardist for the iconic Czech band Olympic, has died at the age of 66. The news was announced by the band on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with details emerging that Valenta died by suicide near the Sázava River.

A Long Career with Olympic

Valenta was a member of Olympic from 1986 to 2020, performing hundreds of concerts both in the Czech Republic and internationally. The band described him as a “distinctive personality” and a “respected musician.” ČT24 reported on the band’s statement.

Tragic Circumstances

According to Blesk.cz, Valenta took his own life with a firearm near the Sázava River. His wife, Mirjam Valentová, expressed shock, stating she was unaware he owned a gun, only knowing he had a firearms license.

Super.cz reported that Valenta’s mental health had deteriorated following the death of fellow band member Milan Peroutka in 2013 and he had left the band in 2020 citing burnout.

Funeral Arrangements and Widow’s Wishes

Mirjam Valentová has requested that no members of the Olympic band, including frontman Petr Janda, attend the funeral. Blesk.cz reported that the funeral will be a private event for family only.

Legacy and Fan Reactions

Jiří Valenta was a well-respected figure in the Czech music scene, and news of his death prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans on social media, remembering him as a “great musician” and a “departing legend.”

Olympic’s History

Olympic was founded in 1962 under the name Karkulka and later renamed after a club in Prague’s Spálená Street. The band debuted in 1968 with the album Želva, considered the first Czech beat long-playing record.