Heavy metal guitarist Jeff Hanneman has died of liver failure.
Hanneman’s band Slayer announced the news on its Facebook page on Thursday night.
The 49-year-old, who died at a South California hospital, had been suffering from a flesh-eating disease believed to have been contracted from a spider bite in 2011.
Jeff Hanneman has died of liver failure aged 49
Hanneman had been recovering after nearly losing his arm after failing to seek immediate treatment following the bite. It is unknown if this played a part in his death.
The official Slayer website today paid tribute to: “Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace.”
Hanneman cofounded the band in Huntington Beach, California, in 1982.
Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy told the Associated Press: "The music industry has lost a true trailblazer, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his bandmates and fans around the world who mourn his untimely passing."
Hanneman's death was announced on the Slayer Facebook page
Jeff Hanneman Of Slayer
Slayer(01 of58)
This 2009 publicity photo provided courtesy of Slayer shows, from left, Dave Lombardo, Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and Tom Araya. Hanneman, 49, a founding member of the heavy metal band Slayer, has died. Slayer spokeswoman Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald says Hanneman died Thursday morning, May 2, 2013, of liver failure at a Los Angeles hospital with his wife, Kathy, by his side. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Slayer, Mark Seliger) (credit:AP)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(02 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(03 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(04 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(05 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musicians Gary Holt(L) and Kerry King of Slayer perform onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(06 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(07 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(08 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax Perform At The Gibson Amphitheatre(09 of58)
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - OCTOBER 21: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs at the Gibson Amphitheatre on October 21, 2010 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Jagermeister Fall Music Tour With Megadeth, Slayer And Anthrax At The Palms(10 of58)
LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 20: Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman performs during the Jagermeister Fall Music Tour at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort October 20, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
1st Annual Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards(11 of58)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: (L-R) Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and Dave Lombardo of Slayer arrive at the 1st Annual Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards at the Club Nokia on April 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kerrang! Awards - Arrivals(12 of58)
LONDON - AUGUST 24: (L to R) Kerry King, Dave Lombardo, Jeff Hanneman and Tom Araya of band Slayer arrive at the Kerrang! Awards 2005, the annual music magazine's prestigious awards, at The Brewery on August 24, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Download Festival 2005 - Day Three(13 of58)
LEICESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs on stage on at the third and final day of this year's Download Festival at Donington Park, Castle Donington on June 12, 2005 in Leicestershire, England. The annual rock festival features over 90 acts on three stages over three days. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Download Festival Day 3(14 of58)
DONINGTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs on stage on day three of the Download Festival on June 12, 2005 in Donington Park, England. (Photo by Dave Etheridge-Barnes/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(15 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Download Festival Day 3(16 of58)
DONINGTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs on stage on day three of the Download Festival on June 12, 2005 in Donington Park, England. (Photo by Dave Etheridge-Barnes/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 Festival(17 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Gary Holt(L) and Kerry King of Slayer perform as part of The Big 4 Festival at the Empire Polo Fields on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sonisphere Festival 2010 - Day 3(18 of58)
STEVENAGE, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 01: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs on stage during the final day of the Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth House on August 1, 2010 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Neil Lupin/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Sonisphere Festival 2010 - Day 3(19 of58)
STEVENAGE, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 01: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs on stage during the final day of the Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth House on August 1, 2010 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Neil Lupin/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
The Big 4 - Metallica. Slayer. Megadeth. Anthrax.(20 of58)
INDIO, CA - APRIL 23: Musician Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs onstage during The Big 4 held at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2011 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sonisphere Festival 2010 - Day 3(21 of58)
STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs on stage during the final day of Sonisphere Festival 2010 at Knebworth House on August 1, 2010 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Andy Sheppard/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Sonisphere Festival 2010 - Day 3(22 of58)
STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King of Slayer perform on stage during the final day of Sonisphere Festival 2010 at Knebworth House on August 1, 2010 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Andy Sheppard/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Sonisphere Music Festival - Day 3(23 of58)
KNEBWORTH, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 01: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs on stage on day 3 of Sonisphere Festival on August 1, 2010 in Knebworth, England. (Photo by Christie Goodwin/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Megadeth, Slayer And Testament Perform At The Long Beach Convention Center(24 of58)
LONG BEACH, CA - AUGUST 30: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs at The Long Beach Convention Center on August 30, 2010 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Jagermeister Fall Music Tour With Megadeth, Slayer And Anthrax At The Palms(25 of58)
LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 20: Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman performs during the Jagermeister Fall Music Tour at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort October 20, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2010 American Carnage Tour(26 of58)
LOUISVILLE, KY - OCTOBER 12: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs at Freedom Hall on October 12, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
American Carnage Tour In Chicago(27 of58)
CHICAGO - AUGUST 20: Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman (R) of Slayer perform with the band during the American Carnage Tour at the UIC Pavilion on August 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Paul Warner/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
American Carnage Tour In Chicago(28 of58)
CHICAGO - AUGUST 20: Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman (R) of Slayer perform with the band during the American Carnage Tour at the UIC Pavilion on August 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Paul Warner/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
American Carnage Tour In Chicago(29 of58)
CHICAGO - AUGUST 20: Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman (R) of Slayer perform with the band during the American Carnage Tour at the UIC Pavilion on August 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Paul Warner/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer - Munich(30 of58)
GERMANY - NOVEMBER 18: ZENITH Photo of SLAYER and Jeff HANNEMAN, Jeff Hanneman performing on stage (Photo by Stefan M. Prager/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer - Amsterdam(31 of58)
NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 07: HEINEKEN MUSIC HALL Photo of SLAYER and Kerry KING and Jeff HANNEMAN, Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman performing live onstage (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer - Munich(32 of58)
GERMANY - NOVEMBER 18: ZENITH Photo of SLAYER and Jeff HANNEMAN and Kerry KING, Kerry King (L) and Jeff Hanneman performing on stage (Photo by Stefan M. Prager/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer In Concert - Berlin(33 of58)
BERLIN - NOVEMBER 19: Guitarist Jeff Hanneman of the US-American Thrash Metal band 'Slayer' performs live during a concert at the Columbiahalle on November 19, 2008 in Berlin, Germany. The concert is part of the 2008 tour. (Photo by Jakubaszek/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival - Wheatland, CA(34 of58)
WHEATLAND, CA - JULY 10: Jeff Hanneman (L) and Kerry King of Slayer perform as part of the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival tour opener at Sleep Train Amphitheatre on July 10, 2009 in Wheatland, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer - Wolverhampton(35 of58)
UNSPECIFIED - OCTOBER 28: CIVIC HALL Photo of SLAYER and Jeff HANNEMAN, Jeff Hanneman performing on stage (Photo by Steve Thorne/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
SuperBock SuperRock - 2nd Act - Parque Tejo(36 of58)
LISBON - JULY 09: Guitarist Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs during the SuperBock SuperRock festival on July 9, 2008 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Rui M. Leal/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer - Wolverhampton(37 of58)
UNSPECIFIED - OCTOBER 28: CIVIC HALL Photo of SLAYER and Jeff HANNEMAN, Jeff Hanneman performing on stage (Photo by Steve Thorne/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival - Wheatland, CA(38 of58)
WHEATLAND, CA - JULY 10: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs as part of the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival tour opener at Sleep Train Amphitheatre on July 10, 2009 in Wheatland, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer Perform At The Manchester Academy(39 of58)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs at Manchester Academy on May 30, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer Perform At Manchester Academy(40 of58)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 30: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer perform on stage at Manchester Academy on May 30, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Rock Im Park - Day 4(41 of58)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY - JUNE 06: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs at day 4 at Rock Im Park at Zeppelinfeld on June 6, 2010 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Sandy Caspers/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer Perform At Manchester Academy(42 of58)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 30: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer perform on stage at Manchester Academy on May 30, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and SLAYER(43 of58)
UNSPECIFIED - AUGUST 01: Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and SLAYER; Jeff Hanneman - posed (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and SLAYER(44 of58)
UNSPECIFIED - AUGUST 01: Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and SLAYER; Jeff Hanneman - posed (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Photo of Kerry KING and Jeff HANNEMAN and Tom ARAYA and Dave LOMBARDO and SLAYER(45 of58)
UNSPECIFIED - AUGUST 01: Photo of Kerry KING and Jeff HANNEMAN and Tom ARAYA and Dave LOMBARDO and SLAYER; L-R: Dave Lombardo, Tom Araya, Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King - posed, group shot (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Photo of SLAYER and Dave LOMBARDO and Tom ARAYA and Jeff HANNEMAN and Kerry KING(46 of58)
UNSPECIFIED - AUGUST 01: Photo of SLAYER and Dave LOMBARDO and Tom ARAYA and Jeff HANNEMAN and Kerry KING; L-R: Dave Lombardo, Kerry King, Tom Araya, Jeff Hanneman - posed, group shot (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer "Unholy Alliance Tour" at Cobo Arena - July 6, 2006(47 of58)
Jeff Hanneman of Slayer during Slayer 'Unholy Alliance Tour' at Cobo Arena - July 6, 2006 at Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan, United States. (Photo by Paul Warner/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
Download Festival(48 of58)
Jeff Hanneman guitarist fromSlayer performing live at the main stage at Download festival, Downington Park on June 11,2005; ; Job : 12594 (Photo by Micky Simawi/Photoshot/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer Portrait Session(49 of58)
FORT LAUDERDALE FL - MAY 11 : Jeff Hanneman of Slayer poses for a portrait at Revolution on May 11, 2002 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. : (Photo by Larry Marano/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and Kerry KING and Tom ARAYA and SLAYER(50 of58)
UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 01: DONNINGTON PARK Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and Kerry KING and Tom ARAYA and SLAYER, L-R: Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King, Paul Bostaph, Tom Araya (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Portrait Of Slayer(51 of58)
Promotional portrait of American thrash metal band Slayer, late 1980s. The group, who combine elements of heavy metal and punk rock, consist of, from left, American drummer Dave Lombardo, American guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, and Chilean-born American bassist and singer Tom Araya. All four wear jeans and t-shirts, while the two guitarists also sport sunglasses. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Iggy Pop Performs At Roskilde(52 of58)
ROSKILDE, DENMARK - JUNE 25: Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King of Slayer perform on stage at Roskilde Festival on June 25th 1998 in Denmark. (Photo by Bernd Muller/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and SLAYER(53 of58)
UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and SLAYER; Posed portrait of Jeff Hanneman (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Ozzfest Tour 2004 - San Francisco(54 of58)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - JULY 29: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs as part of Ozzfest 2004 at Shoreline Amphitheater on July 29, 2004 in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer Portrait Session(55 of58)
FORT LAUDERDALE FL - MAY 11 : Jeff Hanneman of Slayer poses for a portrait at Revolution on May 11, 2002 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. : (Photo by Larry Marano/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slayer Portrait Session(56 of58)
FORT LAUDERDALE FL - MAY 11: Dave Lombardo, Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya and Kerry King of Slayer pose for a portrait at Revolution on May 11, 2002 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. : (Photo by Larry Marano/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ozzfest Tour 2004 - San Francisco(57 of58)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - JULY 29: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer performs as part of Ozzfest 2004 at Shoreline Amphitheater on July 29, 2004 in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and Kerry KING and Tom ARAYA and SLAYER(58 of58)
UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 01: DONNINGTON PARK Photo of Jeff HANNEMAN and Kerry KING and Tom ARAYA and SLAYER, L-R: Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King, Paul Bostaph, Tom Araya (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
In Memoriam: Celebrities We've Lost In 2014
L'Wren Scott(01 of63)
L'Wren Scott, fashion designer and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger's longtime girlfriend, was found dead in NYC on March 17, 2014 of an apparent suicide. (credit:Getty)
David Brenner(02 of63)
David Brenner, the lanky, toothy-grinned "Tonight Show" favorite whose brand of observational comedy became a staple for other standups, including Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Reiser, died on March 15, 2014. He was 78. (credit:Getty)
Harold Ramis(03 of63)
Comedy legend Harold Ramis died on Feb. 24, 2014. He was 69. (credit:Getty)
Sid Caesar(04 of63)
The comedy legend died on Feb. 12, 2014. He was 91. (credit:Getty)
Shirley Temple(05 of63)
Shirley Temple Black, iconic child star and former U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, died on Feb. 10, 2014 in California, The Associated Press reported. Her cause of death was not released. She was 85. (credit:AP)
Philip Seymour Hoffman(06 of63)
Hoffman was found dead of an apparent heroin overdose on Feb. 2, 2014 in New York City. He was 46 years old. (credit:Getty)
Pete Seeger(07 of63)
The American troubadour, folk singer and activist Seeger died Jan. 27, 2014, at age 94. (credit:AP)
James Avery(08 of63)
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Ray Price(09 of63)
Price died on Dec. 16, 2013 at his Texas home after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 87. (credit:Getty)
Peter O'Toole(10 of63)
The legendary actor of the stage and screen died on Dec. 14, 2013 following a long illness. He was 81. (credit:Getty)
Nelson Mandela(11 of63)
After suffering from a prolonged respiratory infection, Mandela died on Dec. 5, 2013 at the age of 95. (credit:Getty)
Paul Walker(12 of63)
Walker died in a car crash on Nov. 30, 2013, his rep confirmed. He was 40. (credit:Getty)
Lou Reed(13 of63)
Reed died of a "liver-related ailment" on Oct. 27, 2013 at the age of 71. (credit:Getty)
Marcia Wallace(14 of63)
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Ed Lauter(15 of63)
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Patsy Swayze(16 of63)
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Jackie Lomax(17 of63)
Jackie Lomax, a singer-songwriter who worked with The Beatles and enjoyed a long solo career, died Sept. 15, 2013 following a brief illness. He was 69. (credit:Getty)
Lee Thompson Young(18 of63)
"The Famous Jett Jackson" star was found dead in his apartment by his landlord in Los Angeles on Aug. 19, 2013. Young's rep confirmed that he took his own life. He was 29. (credit:Getty Images)
Lisa Robin Kelly(19 of63)
The former "That '70s Show" actress died at the age of 43 on Aug. 14, 2013. According to TMZ, Kelly died in her sleep at a rehab facility in California. (credit:Getty Images)
Gia Allemand(20 of63)
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Michael Ansara(21 of63)
The "Star Trek" actor died on July 31, 2013 at the age of 91. (credit:Getty Images)
Kidd Kraddick(22 of63)
Radio personality David "Kidd" Kraddick died July 27, 2013 at age 53. (credit:Getty Images)
JJ Cale(23 of63)
Cale, the singer-songwriter and producer known as the main architect of the Tulsa Sound, died on July 26, 2013. His manager, Mike Kappus, said he died of a heart attack. He was 74. (credit:Getty Images)
Dennis Farina(24 of63)
The "Law & Order" star died on July 22, 2013 at the age of 69 after suffering a blood clot in his lung. (credit:Getty Images)
Cory Monteith(25 of63)
Cory Allan Michael Monteith, a Canadian actor best known for playing Finn Hudson on the hit Fox TV show "Glee," was found dead on July 13, 2013 in a Vancouver hotel room. He was 31. (credit:Getty Images)
James Gandolfini(26 of63)
James Gandolfini, best known for his role on "The Sopranos," died in Italy on June 19, 2013 after suffering from a heart attack. (credit:Getty Images)
Slim Whitman(27 of63)
The high-pitched country singer who sold millions of records through ever-present TV ads in the 1980s and 1990s and whose song saved the world in the film comedy "Mars Attacks!," died June 19, 2013 at a Florida hospital. He was 90. (credit:Getty Images)
Jeanne Cooper(28 of63)
Jeanne Cooper, who played Katherine Chancellor on the daytime soap opera "The Young and the Restless," died on May 8, 2013. She was 84. (credit:Getty Images)
Jeff Hanneman(29 of63)
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Chris Kelly(30 of63)
Chris Kelly, one-half of the 1990s rap duo Kris Kross, died May 1, 2013 of an apparent drug overdose. He was 34. (credit:Getty Images)
George Jones(31 of63)
The country music legend died at 81 on April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure. (credit:Getty Images)
Richie Havens(32 of63)
The folk singer and guitarist, who was the first performer at Woodstock, died on April 22, 2013 at age 72. He died of a heart attack in New Jersey, his family said in a statement. (credit:Getty Images)
Chrissy Amphlett(33 of63)
The raunchy lead singer of the Australian rock band Divinyls whose hit "I Touch Myself" brought her international fame in the early 1990s, died at her home in New York City on April 21, 2013. She was 53 years old."Christine Joy Amphlett succumbed to the effects of breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, diseases she vigorously fought with exceptional bravery and dignity," her musician husband Charley Drayton said in a statement. (credit:Getty Images)
Richard LeParmentier(34 of63)
Character actor Richard LeParmentier, who as a young Death Star commander learned the hard way that Darth Vader brooks no disrespect, died April 16, 2013. He was 66. (credit:Getty Images)
Jonathan Winters(35 of63)
The comedic film and TV actor died on April 11, 2013 at the age of 87. He passed away of natural causes, surrounded by friends and family. (credit:Getty Images)
Annette Funicello(36 of63)
Former child star Annette Funicello died on April 8, 2013 at the age of 70. The actress, who is best remembered for her time as a Mouseketeer on "The Mickey Mouse Club" from 1955 to 1957, died from complications related to multiple sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with more than 20 years ago. (credit:Getty Images)
Roger Ebert(37 of63)
Legendary film critic Roger Ebert died April 4, 2013, at the age of 70. Two days prior, Ebert revealed on his blog that his cancer had returned and that he would be reducing his reviewing duties at the Chicago Sun-Times. (credit:Getty Images)
Shain Gandee(38 of63)
The 21-year-old "Buckwild" star was found dead in a truck in Sissonville, W. Va., along with two other bodies, on April 1, 2013. It was later said Gandee had died of carbon monoxide poisoning while “mudding," or off-roading through mud, in his 1984 Ford Bronco. (credit:Getty Images)
Phil Ramone(39 of63)
A masterful Grammy Award-winning engineer, arranger and producer whose platinum touch included recordings with Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon, Ramone died March 30, 2013 of complications stemming from heart surgery. He was 79. (credit:Getty Images)
Richard Griffiths(40 of63)
One of the great British stage actors of his generation, also known for playing grumpy Uncle Vernon in the fantastical "Harry Potter" movies. Griffiths died March 28, 2013, from complications following heart surgery. He was 65. (credit:Getty Images)
Clive Burr(41 of63)
Former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr has died March 12, 2013. He was 56. Burr passed away in his sleep and had suffered poor heath for years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. (credit:Getty Images)
Claude King(42 of63)
A country singer-songwriter and original member of the Louisiana Hayride, King was best known for the 1962 hit "Wolverton Mountain." He died on March 7, 2013, at 90 years of age. (credit:AP)
Peter Banks(43 of63)
Peter Banks, the original guitarist for the British band Yes, died on March 7, 2013, at the age of 65. A post on his official website stated that Banks died from heart failure and was found in his London home after he didn't show up to a recording session.
L-R: Peter Banks, Tony Kaye, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Jon Anderson - posed, group shot (Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns) (credit:Getty)
L-R: Peter Banks, Tony Kaye, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Jon Anderson - posed, group shot (Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns) (credit:Getty)
Alvin Lee(44 of63)
The British rock guitarist and founder of the band "Ten Years After," who burst to stardom with a memorable Woodstock performance, died March 6, 2013. He was 68. A statement posted on Lee's official website said he died unexpectedly from complications following a routine surgical procedure. Lee's manager, Ron Rainey, said the guitarist died in Spain. (credit:AP)
Bonnie Franklin(45 of63)
Bonnie Franklin, the pert, redheaded actress who won fame as a divorced mom on the long-running sitcom "One Day at a Time," has died March 1, 2013 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 69. (credit:Getty Images)
DJ Ajax (Adrian Thomas)(46 of63)
Australian producer Adrian Thomas, better known as DJ Ajax, died on the day of his 42nd birthday, Feb. 28, 2013. The Sydney Morning Herald reported DJ Ajax died after he ran out onto a Melbourne road and was hit by an oncoming truck. (credit:MySpace)
Richard Street(47 of63)
Former Motown vocalist Richard Street (top R), a member of the Temptations for 25 years, died on Feb. 27, 2013 at a hospital in Las Vegas after a short illness. He was 70. (credit:Getty)
Dale Robertson(48 of63)
Dale Robertson, an Oklahoma native who became a star of television and movie Westerns during the genre's heyday, died Feb. 26, 2013 Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., following a brief illness. He was 89. (credit:Getty)
Dan Toler(49 of63)
Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dan Toler has died on Feb. 25, 2013, at the age of 65. He passed away in his sleep after a two-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. (credit:Everett Collection)
Lou Myers(50 of63)
Myers, the actor most known for playing Mr. Vernon Gaines on the NBC sitcom "A Different World," died on Feb. 19, 2013 at Charleston Medical Center in West Virginia after undergoing a heart-related emergency and falling into a coma. He was 76. (credit:Getty Images)
Damon Harris(51 of63)
Harris (far right), a one-time member of legendary Motown group The Temptations, died on Feb. 18, 2013. According to the Baltimore Sun, Harris (born Otis Robert Harris, Jr.) lost his 14-year-long battle to prostate cancer after spending the last three months in the hospital. He was 62.Also in the photo: Richard Street, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams and Dennis Edwards in 1972.
Mindy McCready(52 of63)
The country singer was found dead in her Heber Springs, Ark., home on Feb. 17, 2013. The Cleburne County sheriff said in a statement that preliminary autopsy results from Arkansas' state crime lab show McCready's death was a suicide from a single gunshot wound to the head. (credit:Getty Images)
Rick Huxley(53 of63)
Bass player Rick Huxley, one of the founding members of the Dave Clark Five, died on Feb. 11, 2013, at the age of 72. Though the band broke up in 1970, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. (credit:Getty)
John Kerr(54 of63)
John Kerr, the stage and film actor whose credits include the movie "South Pacific," the thriller "The Pit and the Pendulum" and a Tony Award-winning turn in "Tea and Sympathy," died on Feb. 9, 2013, at the age of 81. He passed away due to heart failure at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Calif. (credit:Getty)
Mark Balelo(55 of63)
Mark Balelo, an auction house owner featured on the A&E reality TV show "Storage Wars," was found dead on Feb. 11, 2013. He was 40. His death has been declared a suicide. (credit:YouTube)
Donald Byrd(56 of63)
Jazz musician Donald Byrd, a leading hard-bop trumpeter of the 1950s who collaborated on dozens of albums with top artists of his time and later enjoyed commercial success with hit jazz-funk fusion records such as "Black Byrd," died on Feb. 4, 2013. He was 80. No details have been released regarding his death. (credit:Getty)
Robin Sachs(57 of63)
The British actor died on Feb. 1, 2013, just four days shy of his 62nd birthday. He is best known for playing villainous character Ethan Rayne on the hit series "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," but boasts a full resume and will also be remembered for his roles on "Babylon 5" and "Star Trek: Voyager." (credit:Getty)
Mary O'Connor(58 of63)
O'Connor, Hugh Hefner's longtime secretary who appeared on the reality series "Girls Next Door," died on Jan. 27, 2013. (credit:YouTube)
Robert F. Chew(59 of63)
The actor, best known for his role as drug kingpin Proposition Joe on the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Wire,” died January 17th, 2013, of apparent heart failure in his sleep at his home in Northeast Baltimore. He was 52. (credit:HBO)
Pauline Phillips(60 of63)
Pauline Phillips, who as Dear Abby dispensed snappy, sometimes saucy advice to millions of newspaper readers around the world, died Jan. 16, 2013, in Minneapolis after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was 94. (credit:WikiMedia)
Conrad Bain(61 of63)
Conrad Bain, who was best known for his role as father Philip Drummond on the hit series "Diff'rent Strokes," died Jan. 14. He was 89. (credit:Getty)
Freddy E(62 of63)
Seattle rapper Freddy E (real name Freddy E. Buhl) died on January 5, 2013, of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The 22-year-old is believed to have live tweeted the moments leading up to his apparent suicide. (credit:Freddy E/Twitter)
Ned Wertimer(63 of63)
Ned Wertimer (here seen on the left), who appeared on 11 seasons of "The Jeffersons" as Ralph The Doorman, died January 2, 2013, at the age of 89. Wertimer died following health complications at the Sherman Village Health Care Center in California. (credit:Getty Images)