Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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Jeff Hanneman, a founding member of Slayer, passed away earlier today.

Jeff formed Slayer in 1981 with fellow guitarist Kerry King.  The bands 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."

The cause of death was liver failure. 

RIP Jeff, thanks for the riffs.

 

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