Avenged Sevenfold drummer James Owen Sullivan aka The Rev has been confirmed dead, dying on Monday of natural causes.
News of Jimmy Sullivan’s sudden death on Monday has left left family, friends and fans in shock tonight – many of whom are only learning of the news this morning. Sullivan is survived by wife Leana MacFadden aka Leana Silver and died at his home in South California.
Sullivan served as both singer and drummer for Avenged Sevenfold who achieved much fame and acclaim in 2005 with their City Of Evil album.
Reuters are reporting that “The Rev appeared to have died of natural causes, Huntington Beach police Lt. John Domingo told the Orange County Register. He was 28. The Orange County Coroner’s Office is investigating, the paper said.”
A statement on the band’s website reads: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world’s best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy’s family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time. Jimmy you are forever in our hearts. We love you.”
The Rev was a co-founder of the band which started in 1999. As any reader of Metal Hammer will know the band became notorious for their drug-taking and other rock’n'roll pursuits, but have recently attempted to live down its reputation for debauchery. Reuters stated that “Sullivan, in particular, had raised eyebrows after a 2006 cover story in metal magazine Revolver described his penchant for cocaine and other drugs.”
Avenged were currently working on their latest album, due for release in 2010.
Thanks To: metalhammer.co.uk
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