Co-founding Mastodon guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds has passed away at 51 years old. He died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta on Wednesday night (8/20), Atlanta News First reports, and the Fulton County medical examiner’s office confirms. The crash was first reported on that night, with Hinds’ identity given this afternoon.
Police said that Hinds’ motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson, collided with an SUV that didn’t yield while making a turn at Memorial Drive and Boulevard in southeast Atlanta. He was unresponsive when police arrived on scene shortly after 11:35 PM, and was pronounced dead by medical officials.
Hinds had been injured in motorcycle accidents before, including a broken leg in 2016 and a 2018 incident that kept him from attending the Grammys.
Mastodon parted ways with Hinds, who spent 25 years in the band, in March. They issued a new statement, which reads, “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent.”
Hinds’ other projects include Fiend Without A Face, West End Motel, Dirty B & The Boys, and pre-Mastodon band Four Hour Fogger (with future bandmate Troy Sanders).
RIP, Brent.