Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman dies at 49

Slayer guitarist and founding member, Jeff Hanneman has been announced dead at the age of 49.

The Californian musician (pictured second left), one of the thrash metal outfit’s core members alongside Kerry King and Tom Araya, has recently suffered a series of ongoing health issues including a debilitating skin disorder. His cause of death was confirmed to be liver failure.

Slayer’s publicist released the following 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. He was 49. 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 thoughts are with Hanneman’s friends and family at this time.