Another icon was lost this week when Emerson, Lake & Palmer keyboardist Keith Emerson passed away at the age of 71 on March 10th. His bandmate and multi-instrumentalist Greg Lake has offered up the following statement:

"To all ELP friends and fans all over the world, I would like to express my deep sadness upon hearing this tragic news. As you know Keith and I spent many of the best years of our lives together and to witness his life coming to an end in the way that it has is painful, both to myself and to all who knew him.

As sad and tragic as Keith’s death is, I would not want this to be the lasting memory people take away with them. What I will always remember about Keith Emerson was his remarkable talent as a musician and composer and his gift and passion to entertain. Music was his life and despite some of the difficulties he encountered I am sure that the music he created will live on forever.

My deepest condolences go to Keith’s family.

May he now be at peace."

TMZ.com claims to have learned that Emerson's death is being investigated as a suicide.

From TMZ: "Law enforcement sources tell us Emerson had a single gunshot wound to the head when his girlfriend found him in their home in Santa Monica. The Emerson, Lake & Palmer co-founder had recently been suffering from a serious medical problem -- a degenerative nerve issue in his right hand ... according to our sources. We're told he could only play the keyboard with 8 fingers at this point and knew it was only going to get worse. As a result, he was struggling with depression."

Stay tuned for updates on this story.

Emerson's bandmate Carl Palmer posted the following via his official website upon news of his death:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson.

“Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.

“I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humor, compelling showmanship, and dedication to his musical craft.

“I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did, together. Rest in peace, Keith.”

(Photo by Neal Preston/Corbis)