Avenged Sevenfold drummer found dead in his home
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)Dec 29, 2009 12:12 AM
James Owen Sullivan, founding drummer for the rock band Avenged Sevenfold, was found dead at his Huntington Beach, Calif., home today. He was 28.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan,” surviving bandmates M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Christ said in a statement posted on the metalcore group’s official site. “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,” the statement concluded. “We love you.”
According to an Orange County Register report, firefighters were the first to arrive at Sullivan’s home at about 1 p.m. today, and police followed up. Huntington Beach police Lt. John Domingo told the newspaper that it appears that Sullivan died of natural causes.
The Orange County Coronor’s office reportedly has opened an investigation into the death.