At 11 AM, PST on May 2nd, SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed away near his Southern California home; he was 49 years old. 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.

Vocalist David Draiman (DISTURBED, DEVICE) posted the following message online in the wake of this tragedy:

"There is no room for/excuse for jealousy/contempt/hatred between those who should be supportive/caring brothers and sisters in the world of hard rock and heavy metal. In the wake of the news of the mighty Jeff Hanneman's tragic passing last night at the Revolver Golden Gods, that point became crystal clear to everyone.

Hardcore, thrash, classic, symphonic, death, grindcore, metalcore, hard rock and any other possible genre/sub-genre you could possibly concieve of, stood united in their grief, and steadfast in their support of the Slayer camp and the Hanneman family. when one of us falls, we are all affected. When a pillar as mighty as Jeff Hanneman falls we are all weakened, and need to be there for one another to console, fondly remember and fortify/strengthen one another, yet again.

We have always come together as a family in such times of sorrow and need, and if something positive can be taken from any of this, it is that we learn from that sense of community and brotherhood that was so prevalent among everyone there last night. All the tastemaker/elitist nonsense, all the trash talking and jealously, truly has no place among hard rock/heavy metal's artists or its fans.

I pray that there are those out there who will live by this, as I and countless others do. Love all, respect all, protect one and all, in our mighty family.

I am honored and humbled beyond words to have been a part of such a warm display of support and brotherhood as was witnessed last night, I thank all my fellow brothers and sisters in the genre for their compassion shown, and for the humanity shared.

Let Jeff's memory and last night's event serve as a symbol, a guiding light, a beacon, to all those who would question our love, devotion, and commitment to one another.

I have been, and forever shall be, a fan of, an addict of, and a champion of, all things hard rock and heavy metal."