Alcohol-related cirrhosis has been confirmed as the cause of death for Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, according to a coroner.
At the age of 49, the founding member of Slayer passed away last week in a hospital located in California.
“Over the years, Jeff faced numerous health challenges, including a recent Necrotizing fasciitis infection that severely impacted his health. However, he and his close ones were unaware of the serious nature of his liver condition until his final days,” the band stated on their website. “In contrast to some reports, Jeff was neither on a transplant list at the time of his death nor at any point prior. Indeed, it seemed he was on the path to recovery…he was eager and looking forward to working on a new album.”
The band shared their fond memories of Hanneman, with guitarist Kerry King recalling: “I had countless memorable moments with Jeff. In the early touring days, he and I would stay up all night in the bus, just hanging out, chatting, and watching movies… We were particularly fond of World War II movies and horror films; we watched ‘Full Metal Jacket’ so often that we could almost recite every line.”
In the meantime, tributes have poured in from notable figures in rock and metal, including Slash and Dave Mustaine, honoring Hanneman after his passing.
On Twitter, Slash expressed his sorrow: “Tragic & shocking news about Jeff Hanneman. He is going to be missed by so many. What a sad day for Metal. RIP man.”
by Wallace McTavish
