Jeff Hanneman, guitarist in rock legends Slayer, has died in hospital due to liver failure aged just 49.
Hanneman had been recovering from flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis, which he had contracted after being bitten by a spider in 2011. The bite had nearly cost him his arm, as he hadn't got treatment straight away.
He was a founding member of Slayer in 1982, with guitarist Kerry King, and this year he had started writing songs again as the band were hoping to record a new album later this year.
Writing on Facebook, the rest of the band said, "Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure.
"He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed. Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 - 2013)"
Jeff Hanneman has sadly passed away aged just 49 years old
Metal stars online have been sharing their condolences through Twitter. Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue wrote, "Just heard the sad news about Jeff Hanneman of Slayer. My condolences to his family,the band and all his friends and fans..RIP."
Dave Mustaine from Megadeath posted, "Tonight one less star will be shining and sadly, the stage got just a little bit darker. Jeff Hanneman 1964-2013."
