On 17 May 1999, during the final recording and mixing sessions, Fairbairn died unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 49. Known for his punctuality, concerns were raised when he failed to turn up to the studio on time. After two-and-a-half hours without an answer, Anderson and studio receptionist and manager Sheryl Preston drove to Fairbairn's apartment, broke in after they found an untouched tape on his doorstep, and discovered his body in his bed. His passing was a shock to everyone involved and ended tentative discussions to work with the band again on future projects. After Yes took a short break, they regrouped and completed the production and mixing duties with Plotnikoff. "The Ladder" was then mastered at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City in May 1999. At Fairbairn's funeral service held on 24 May, Anderson and Howe performed an acoustic version of "Nine Voices (Longwalker)", a song that Anderson recalled touched Fairbairn personally and was a favourite of his. Yes subsequently dedicated "The Ladder" to Fairbairn.