Former 3 Doors Down Guitarist Matt Roberts Dead at 38 [Updated]
This post has been updated with more details from Matt Roberts' father as well as a statement from 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold (see Facebook post at bottom of this article).
There's sad news to report as Matt Roberts, the former guitarist for 3 Doors Down, has died at the age of 38.
Matt's father Darrell told TMZ that he and his son were just outside Wisconsin at a charity event where Matt was scheduled to perform. After Matt's rehearsal, they returned to their hotel where they had adjoining rooms. Darrell says he was awoken at 9AM when police revealed that Matt had passed away overnight. He reveals that there were prescription pills involved and he believes his son died of a possible accidental overdose.
Matt Roberts exited 3 Doors Down in 2012, citing that he was having circulation problems that were exacerbated by the band's heavy touring schedule. He explained, "3 Doors Down always have a special place in my heart and it saddens me to take this time off, but my health has to be my first priority." Singer Brad Arnold stated, "Matt is our brother and he will always be part of this band and he will always be welcome back with open arms."
The band eventually added Chet Roberts as their new guitarist, with Chet's first official studio album being the group's 2016 effort, Us and the Night. As for Matt Roberts, he was with the band from 1996-2012, appearing on The Better Life, Away From the Sun, Seventeen Days, 3 Doors Down and Time of My Life albums.
Our condolences to 3 Doors Down as well as Matt Roberts' extended family and friends.
Update 1: Matt Roberts' father has detailed the guitarist's prescription drug addition in an interview with CNN. Details here.
Update 2: Brad Arnold, frontman of 3 Doors Down, has issued the following statement via Facebook: "Words cannot express our sadness as we hear of the loss of our brother, Matt. He was a truly talented artist and great friend. His memory will live on through the songs we all created. He will be greatly missed."
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