Lou Christie, who topped charts with his 1966 hit “Lightnin’ Strikes,” has died at the age of 82.

The singer-songwriter died at his home in Pittsburgh after a brief illness, his family said in an announcement June 18.

“He was cherished not only by his family and close friends, but also by countless fans whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity, artistic and musical talent, humor and spirit,” the statement read. “His absence leaves a profound void in all our hearts. He will be greatly missed, always remembered and forever loved.”

Christie was born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco on Feb. 19, 1943 in a town just outside of Pittsburgh.

At 15, he befriended musician Twyla Herbert, and the two went on to write hundreds of songs together throughout their careers.

He later signed with MGM Records and released two of his biggest hits, “Lightnin’ Strikes” and “Rhapsody in the Rain,” which went to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

He recorded his last album in 2004.

Christie is survived by his wife, Francesca Winfield, and their daughter Bianca. Their son Christopher died in a 2014 motorcycle accident.