Jeff-Hanneman-Obituary

Jeff Hanneman

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jeff Hanneman, a founding member of Slayer whose career was irrevocably changed after a spider bite, has died. He was 49.

Slayer spokeswoman Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald said Hanneman died Thursday morning of liver failure at a Los Angeles hospital with his wife, Kathy, by his side.

The guitarist had recently begun writing songs with the band in anticipation of recording a new album later this year. He had been slowly recovering from what was believed to be a spider bite that nearly cost him his arm after he failed to seek immediate treatment.

"The music industry has lost a true trailblazer, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his bandmates and fans around the world who mourn his untimely passing," said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, in a statement.

Robinson-Fitzgerald said it's believed the spider bite contributed to the failure of Hanneman's liver, but it is unclear whether an autopsy will be scheduled. No funeral arrangements have been made.

"Jeff Hanneman will always be a metal god," rocker Andrew W.K. posted on Twitter.

Hanneman co-founded the thrash metal pioneers in Huntington Beach, California, in 1982.

AP Music Writer Chris Talbott contributed to this report from Nashville, Tennessee.

DERRIK J. LANG, AP Entertainment Writer


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

You are now in the Kingdom of God Where He Promised Eternal Life!

Godspeed Jeff, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

You're south of heaven now, rip!

god bless , r i p ,

South of Heaven was the current sabbath bloody sabbath and made me realise that metal was and is the future of where the rock the radio stations will be in 15 or so years. Sorta like f1 racing technology filtering down to family cars in a few decades to exceed technological standards. Heavier. Darker. Faster. Also has irs own history that I look back on with fondness- jeff was one of the F1 guitarists that built beautiful racing music that even F1 drivers would appreciate for its innovation,...

Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration @ The Hollywood Palladium 5-23-2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Hope your slayin em all on the other side Jeff,

I just cant thank you enuf if i never would of had slayer i would of had nothing i have listen to you guys i was just a kid thanks for everything till we meet again goodby R.I.P