Slayer Guitarist Dies, Jeff Hanneman's Spider Bite Fatal?
Slayer founding member and guitarist Jeff Hanneman died at age 49 on Thursday.
The musician died of liver failure- the believed result of a dangerous spider bite he had received in 2011.
A spokesperson for Hanneman revealed that he died at a Los Angeles hospital with his wife Kathy by his side, according to the Associated Press.
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Hanneman had been recuperating from necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease, most likely caused by the spider bite in 2011, according to USA Today.
It is unclear whether or not the illness was related to his death, and it is unknown if an autopsy is scheduled.
Meanwhile, Slayer also shared the sad news with fans on Thursday.
"Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother… passed away at about 11 a.m. this morning," the band's statement read via Facebook.
Hanneman and guitarist Kerry King founded the group in Huntington Park, California in 1981. The group rose to fame with their 1986 release "Reign in Blood," which earned them comparison to other thrash metal acts such as Metallica ad Anthrax.
Bassist and vocalist Tom Araya often contributed to the band's lyrics, which included subjects such as serial killing and warfare. Additional help was given from drummer Dave Lombardo.
Slasher earned five Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance for songs that included "Disciple" and "Eyes of the Insane."
On Twitter, Slasher fans are mourning Hanneman's death as the news swept the Internet on Friday, and Jeff Hanneman became a trending topic on the social media site.
"RIP Jeff Hannemen of Slayer," wrote Rockstar Games. "Brilliant guitarist and a metal legend."
Dazed magazine added, "Absolutely gutted to hear that Slayer's Jeff Hanneman has passed away, RIP."
"Rest in peace Jeff Hanneman," wrote Endigo.
