In a move that’s sure to shock the metal world, Slayer has revealed via their Facebook and Twitter profiles that founding member Jeff Hanneman has passed away.

Photo: Raymond Flotat

Hanneman reportedly passed away this morning at around 11 a.m. in a hospital near his Southern California home. Details are limited as of press time, but apparently the cause of death is liver failure.

The longtime guitarist has been on hiatus from Slayer these last few years recovering from a severe case of Necrotising Fasciitis. This disease reportedly almost cost Hanneman his arm, and was believed to be caused by a spider bite. Slayer had insisted all these last few years that Hanneman was still a part of the band and would return to the touring and recording fold as soon as he was recovered enough to play. Fans will remember that during this time Gary Holt from Exodus had filled in the second guitarist slot for the band along side Kerry King. Hanneman’s last performance with the band was guesting on the final two songs of their set at the one-shot Big Four Festival in Indio sharing the stage with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax.

Hanneman was 49 years old. He is survived by his with Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry. All at mxdwn give our best to the Hanneman family. He will be deeply missed.

The full statement is below:
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)