Static X frontman Wayne Static (Wayne Richard Wells) passed away at the age of 48 in his sleep on the evening of October 31st, 2014. Prior to his death, Dean Guitars was in the process of making a new signature Wayne Static Modifier ML guitar for the band's next tour, which he sadly was never able to use. In the clip below, Dean's artist relations representative Josh Maloney showcases the guitar at NAMM 2015, which took place this past weekend:

Following his passing, Wayne's wife Tera Wray issued the following statement regarding the circumstances of his death:

"Today is my husband's birthday and instead of celebrating his 49th year of life, we are grieving his short 48 years.

It has come to my attention that many have questions and opinions about the cause of the death of my husband in which I now find is necessary to further respond.

Wayne was not taking drugs. If anything, he was a drinker, and did not OD.

The autopsy will be done by this weekend at the soonest. However, for some of the test results it will take up to 6 months to get the actual death certificate finalized. I hope that the results I am given will have some insight, but they told me what I will receive this weekend will be deemed incomplete until all tests are back. We can all have opinions as to why.

We all know that both Wayne and I had abused narcotics with alcohol in the past, which I am sure took a toll on his body, heart and soul. We were packing to travel on tour and were to leave that night, but it was Halloween and we decided to leave in the morning with our animals. I wish we had traveled that night then maybe had he fallen ill we could have gotten to the hospital. I will never know.

I find it disrespectful to our families and myself for negative spins that are being posted. For Wayne's music peers to take it upon themselves to make comment about us, when they are not part of our daily lives or know us outside of tour and music, just to grab a headline to get themselves at the top of the gossip page is disgusting.

This is not about you or what you feel is your expert opinion on people you have no relationship with, so shame on you. Do not act like we liked your band either.

Wayne was a good soul and he is gone — that is what we do know. Please show some respect to him and his memory.

We thank all that have left kind and positive messages in support of this terrible time. I am sure Wayne misses you too."

The metal community has expressed its shock and sadness over Wayne's passing:

DJ Ashba (Guns N' Roses, Sixx:A.M.): "You will truly be missed. God bless your family, friends and fans in this moment of sadness."

Dino Cazares (Fear Factory): "He's a legend, a great guy and songwriter. It sucks to lose a friend to something that you wish you could've helped him for. R.I.P. Wayne Static."

Jonathan Davis (Korn): "Rest in peace, Wayne. I'm speechless right now. I'm losing too many of my friends. I'll see you on the other side, brother."

Miguel "Meegs" Rascon (Coal Chamber): "Wayne, this was the one photo taken when we were on tour with you with We Are The Riot. So happy I have this. You were part of the nu metal movement that shaped the metal scene in L.A. with Coal Chamber and countless others. We were a scene. Untouchable. Family. Hungry... I will miss you, brother. RIP. I'm your homeboy forever, wherever you are. Much love."

David Ellefson (Megadeth): "Just horrible news here. Condolences to the Static X organization and family. I have such great memories of our tours together."