Avenged Sevenfold Drummer Found Dead

According to the Orange County Register, Avenged Sevenfold drummer "The Rev" was found dead in his home yesterday. Huntington Beach police say it appears The Rev died of natural causes. He was 28.

How does a 28 year-old "die of natural causes?" Old age is a natural cause. The last time I checked, 28 isn't old. The coroner's office is investigating the death and I'm certain that there will be an autopsy.

By the time I was done writing this up, the band had released an official statement via their website. Here it is:

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.

M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Christ

I'm upset by this news. A7X is one of my favorite bands - everyone knows that - and this news came way out of left field.

Comments

[Tommy]

Saw Um Live At Ozzfest A Few Years Back And Hated Them, I Really Tried To Like this Band, But Stealing Overkill's Logo And Destroying , Pantera's " Walk" Was It For Me. My Son Loves Them Though. Regardless It Is Never A Good Thing When Someone Dies Especially So Young,, My Prayers To His Family And Friends

[Bryon]

Not to sound like a complete dick, but otherwise healthy 28 year olds don't just die from natural causes.

[Metalboy!]

God bless and God speed. This kid was too young. I also find it difficult to believe that it was natural causes but you never know. Wait until more info comes in before making a judgement.

What a shame. I was just getting into these guys and "The Rev" was obviously a h*lluva drummer. I've got "Almost Easy" on my latest & greatest playlist, "Nu Metal", and it stands up to anything on there.

This kid seemingly had it all. The chops. The talent. A great band. Success. I'm sure he would want them to soldier on and I'm sure they will.

When will we ever learn!

[MotleyCrue666]

Avenged Sevenfold are my FAVORITE band. And IMO The Rev is the greatest drummer of all time. Waking The Fallen and S/T/ were some of the greatest albums ever and City of Evil is probably THE greatest album ever. I can't believe this... His drum work and vocals are incredible. I can only imagine what A7X is going to do now since their new album was coming out soon and 2010 was gonna be THEIR year.

R.I.P. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan

[metalgirl101]

RIP jimmy th worlds greatest drummer. we will all miss you

[Lucifer]

Shit.... Whilst i'm not a bit fan of A7X it's never good when someone dies so young, and it's expecially sad to see someone go with such obvious talent My thoughts go out to his family and friends and the rest of the band.

[Tony]

R.I.P. Jimmy.

@Byron - plenty of APPARENTLY healthy 28 year olds die from natural causes - usually due to an undiagnosed heart condition or brain tumour or something of that kind.

[Kenny Ozz]

Im not a fan of these guys at all but a young life lost is extremely sad nonetheless. RIP rev.

[Peter]

Shame, he will be difficult to replace. He was what kept the band together and also was main songwriter - he was soul&heart of the band. I don't see a way for them to continue I think that they should release album he co-wrote tour in his name and call it a day, forming another band.

[BASHSTER]

rip a Awesome drummer but bands have been galvanised into greater things when tradegy strikes ie Metallica and Def Leppard lets hope the boys in Avenged pick themselves up from this tragic event and carry on in memory of their great friend

[Max Raymond]

It is very naïve to dismiss the likelihood of younger people dying of natural cases. A lot of people sadly do die for the same reasons.

I'm not a fan of this band but it's still a tragic story.