Brent Hinds, who co-founded the heavy metal band Mastodon before leaving the group earlier this year, has died. He was 51.
The former lead guitarist and co-vocalist was involved in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday night, per Atlanta News First.
Hinds was reportedly riding his Harley-Davidson around 11:35 p.m. when a BMW SUV failed to yield while making a turn at an intersection. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male who was involved in the collision,” the Atlanta Police Department said in a memo released Thursday morning. “The male appeared to be operating a Harley Davidson during the time of collision.”
“Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased,” the department continued. “The other driver involved, a female who occupied a BMW SUV, remained on scene.”
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed his death, and an investigation into the shocking crash remains ongoing.
Hinds’ former bandmates, including bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor, paid tribute to the late “Blood and Thunder” rocker in an emotional Instagram post.
“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief,” the band began. “Last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident.”
“We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many,” they continued.
“Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans,” Sanders, Kelliher and Dailor concluded. “At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent.”
Born William Brent Hinds in Pelham, Alabama, in 1974, Hinds relocated to Atlanta in the 90s after seeing Sanders’ band perform in Birmingham, according to Pitchfork.
The pair later recruited Kelliher and Dailor and founded Mastodon in Atlanta in 2000.
But after releasing several acclaimed heavy metal albums, including “Remission” (2002), “Leviathan” (2004), “Emperor of Sand” (2017) and “Hushed and Grim” (2021), Hinds abruptly departed the group in March.
“After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” Mastodon announced on Instagram at the time.
“We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors,” the heavy metal rockers added. “We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon.”
However, Hinds later took to social media just weeks before his death to claim that his departure from Mastodon was not voluntary.
“They kicked me out of the band for embarrassing them for being who I am,” the late “Oblivion” singer wrote in the comments section of a Mastodon Instagram video in June. “But what about who they are? They are two people that can’t sing together live or anywhere else in the world.”
Fans of the “Hunter” artist, meanwhile, have since taken to social media to remember him.
“Absolutely devastating, I’m crushed, heartbroken,” one person wrote. “All the love to you all.”
“One of the best. One of the nicest dudes,” another commented. “Much love to his band mates and family and all that were in his orbit.”
“Was an amazing privilege to know him and watch him achieve his dreams,” penned a third Mastodon fan. “He was already a legend way back when.”
