Avenged Sevenfold's Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan Passed Away

Avenged Sevenfold's drummer/back up vocalist and co-founding member Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away yesterday (Monday December 28th, 2009).

Jimmy was found dead in his home in Southern California at 1:PM on Monday, The Orange County Register is reporting that the 28 year old drummer passed away apparently due to natural causes.

The band posted the following statement on their official website:

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan.

Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Jimmy you are forever in our hearts.
We love you.

M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Christ"

James Owen Sullivan, (born February 10, 1981) better known by his stage name, The Rev, or The Reverend Tholomew Plague was the drummer and back-up vocalist for the band Avenged Sevenfold, and lead vocalist in the avant-garde metal band Pinkly Smooth with fellow Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates.

Sullivan resided in Huntington Beach, California and was married to Leana MacFadden aka Leana Silver.

Jimmy also played many different instruments other than the drums, such as the piano and guitar and had used these abilities to write songs such as "A Little Piece of Heaven." Before leaving to join Avenged Sevenfold, Sullivan performed with the third wave ska band Suburban Legends as their drummer. [Source]

R.I.P.