Avenged Sevenfold drummer James Owen Sullivan was found dead in his Huntington Beach home earlier today on December 28 at roughly 1 p.m., according to the Orange County Register and Blabbermouth.
Sullivan, better known by his stage name "The Rev," was 28 years old. The Orange County Coroner's Office is investigating his death but for the time being they're calling it natural causes. However, the drummer had a reported history of hard drug use.
Avenged Sevenfold formed in Huntington Beach in 1999, with Sullivan on board from the beginning. The quintet has released four albums and won Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2006. The group's self-titled fourth album hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2007. According to a message posted by Zacky Vengeance on the band's MySpace page, the group was well underway on a fifth album.
The band released the following statement on their official site:
JIMMY "THE REV" SULLIVAN
Tue, 12/29/2009 - 05:22
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. 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.
We love you.
M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Chris
