Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman has died due to liver failure at a Los Angeles hospital near his home. He was 49.

Hanneman was one of the founding members of Slayer in 1981, along with front man Kerry King and drummer Dave Lombardo. He had not been active in Slayer for the last few years, since suffering a flesh-eating bacteria from a spider bite. No word yet if that caused any complications leading to his death. The group played dates without Hanneman, using Gary Holt of Exodus as a temporary replacement.

He is survived by a wife and sister (both named Kathy) and his brothers Michael and Larry. Hanneman was 49 year old.

Here is Slayer’s official statement:

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)

(via LA Weekly)