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Paul Gray Obituary
Gray, a founding member of the Grammy-winning Des Moines metal band, was found dead Monday in a room at the hotel in Urbandale. Gray, 38, lived in Johnston, a nearby suburb.
Urbandale police released a statement Tuesday that said the autopsy was completed but the death remained under investigation. Polk County Medical Examiner Gregory Schmunk said it could be four to six weeks before toxicology results are available.
Police say the autopsy did confirm there was no evidence of foul play or trauma, and that Gray had been dead for several hours when a hotel worker found his body.
Urbandale Sgt. Dave Disney said a worker at the TownePlace Suites went to Gray's room after an unidentified relative called the hotel and asked them to check on him. The relative had made several unsuccessful calls to Gray before seeking help from the hotel.
Disney said Gray had wanted some time to himself.
"There'd been a number of issues that led him to want to have, I think, just some alone time," Disney said. "He went there to be by himself, and he had various reasons."
Slipknot emerged in the mid-1990s as a band known for its grotesque masks, trashing sound and aggressive, dark lyrics. Slipknot's 1999 debut album sold about 2 million copies, and the band won a Grammy in 2006 for best metal performance for the song "Before I Forget."
Concert industry trade publication Pollstar ranked Slipknot 18th in its Top 20 Concert Tours list in 2009.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
172 Entries
Tina Meininger
July 30, 2021
I am sorry for your loss and to Joeys family may you find piece and comfort as we all go through this sad time together! I love this band ....it will always remain the same as i knw it today always . ....Gone but NOT forgotten.R.I.P
Sara Cartwright
October 28, 2018
Never forget. Always missed.
Damian luff
January 11, 2016
only gray skies without you paul you are sorely missed
How you can show support
Joseph
November 27, 2015
I miss you so much Paul. I think about you every day. You and Slipknot have been part of my life since I was in 6th grade. I saw Slipknot in 2009 and it was a blast. Slipknot will never be the same without you! Rest In Peace!
August 19, 2014
You are so missed Paul by everyone you where a legend and it's sad that you left. R.I.P Paul Gray
June 29, 2014
You were one of the best, Paul.
Andrew White
June 1, 2011
Rest In Peace Paul, You were a part of my life since I was in the 4th Grade. Slipknot will never be the same with out you... We love you No. 2
May 30, 2011
RIP PAUL GRAY, We Love you- Maggots
Anita Collins
November 13, 2010
The metal industry lost one of the worlds best talanted bass players when you passed on Paul...may you Rest In Peace and shine on where ever you are!!!
October 29, 2010
YOU WILL BE MISSED R.I.P Paul
September 23, 2010
Paul gray was awesome in the band slipknot and i will miss him so much. RIP Paul gray
ashley beckwith
September 21, 2010
when i first heard slipknot thats all i would listen to first and paul gray will be miss and he was the best bass player every and when i seen them live they rocked i have their posters up on my wall and rip paul gray. im sorry and feel bad for you pauls wife and i hope that you and your kids will have a good life but dont forget paul is still in the house with you.
Henry Dalessandro
July 14, 2010
you will be missed my brother
Melissa Rich
June 27, 2010
slipknot i would like to thank you all for the wonderfull meaning you all gave to my life without slipkont i would be dead right now. I had wanted to thank you all in person but paul is now dead so to the rest of the band and his wife we all feel your pain he will be missed but not forgotin i love you all. hold your heads high and stand stong and tall. We all are with you.
Shawn Morrison
June 22, 2010
you created something we could never have imagined. your memory will live on with the music forever. What you started will never stop, and i thank you for it. Rest in piece paul gray. We love you.
ryan little
June 15, 2010
may God rest your soul Paul....ryan little cornelius,nc
M C
June 6, 2010
My most sincere sympathy to Brenna and the entire Gray family during this very difficult time. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had the brief pleasure of meeting Paul during All Hope is Gone, and he was a true gentleman. Prayers to you, a fan from New Jersey,
NIKHIL,PRATIK
June 6, 2010
this is definitly a sad newz.His unexpected death has saddened us to da inner core of our heart.we da people of india will definitly miss him.A guy like him can neva be replaced.May his soul REST IN PEACE.LONG LIVE SLIPKNOT.-NIKHIL,MD PRATICK {DARJEELING]
Raevyn Kennedy
June 5, 2010
To paul's family, I will treasure his memories and his music for the rest of my life. He was an amazing musician and he will be greatly missed. Your fans love you and will keep your memory alive. Rest in Peace. <3 You will be remembered for who you are, not matter how you died.
Alecia Elliott
June 5, 2010
R.I.P. PAUL GRAY #2 YOU WILL BE MISSED \m/ \m/ \m/
AARON BARKER
June 5, 2010
never had the honor of meeting you paul, but it would have been just that...AN HONOR. from what i have seen, you seem to be the one honored to have met a fan.
can't sum up how you feel when an artist dies, but i suppose the shock is close to that of other important influences, be it your mother-father-etc. you participated in the "soundtrack to our lives" whether people liked the knot or hated it...you were reknowned. apart of the9 is missing...feels like apart of US ALL is as well---rest in peace but give'em hell-----1972-2010-PAUL GRAY#2
Heather OReilly
June 4, 2010
RIP<3 you were an amazing musician and I have a feeling that your beautiful daughter will grow up with the love of music like you did! Your legacy will never be forgotten! And Slipknot will never be the same!<3 Heather
matthew decker
June 4, 2010
Dear mr. Gray I will always remember u 4 who you are and not what the past may revel but 2 the ones who didnt get to meet or Know Paul when your gone u will... the whole 9 said it the best All hope is gone i will miss u Paul even if u wont or dont remember me i will see you soon
4ever a faithfull friend
Matt Decker, tucson,az
Sarajane Sein
June 4, 2010
I originally got into the 'Knot with Iowa; they have been an important part of my life especially these past three years. I don't know what to say other than that, Mr. Paul Gray, you were an amazing man and your stage presence as well as amazing personality & great nature has made an impression on me and on all of the other fans. We will miss you, please rest peacefully and you will be in all of our hearts forever.
Ryan
June 4, 2010
Our sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the "God of all comfort" be with you during this time.
Cyndi Saunders
June 3, 2010
You will live forever in the hearts of true Maggots forever. You were awesome and so talented. God said your mark was left on this world with your child and it was HIS time to hear you play. Time heals the wound but nothing kills the ache. My condolences to Paul’s family and to Slipknot. RIP Paul.
Tammy Baldassarra
June 3, 2010
My condolences to Paul's Family & Breanna,
May happy memories sustain the family and bring some comfort to your heart.
He is healing the broken-hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.(Psalms 147:3)
Jackie Salinas
June 2, 2010
My condolences go out to Paul's family, friends, and bandmates.... Paul was a great musician! When I first heard Slipknot back in high school, I was floored! They got me through a lot. When I was angry and feeling lost, I threw on a Slipknot album and I immediately felt better! None of that would have been possible without Paul. So for this, I thank you Paul. Thank you for sharing your geniusness (is that a word?) with all the MAGGOTS across the world!!! You have changed lives and you have forever changed mine for the better!!! R.I.P. "SAY IT AGAIN, SAY IT AGAIN (WE WON'T DIE!!!!!)..." YOU WILL FOREVER LIVE ON THROUGH YOUR MUSIC! LOVE YOU MAN!
A Baker
June 2, 2010
To the immediate family and the brothers of Slipknot, may you have peace in knowing that Paul will always be watching over you and although he is gone he will not be forgotten. RIP Paul !
June 2, 2010
"Sincere condolences to the family
jackx hammerx
June 2, 2010
i love you man stay(sic)
fallen but not forgotten
"you can not kill what you did not create"
kim kerek
June 2, 2010
I HAD TO GO AWAY
I had to go away.
I'm sorry you couldn't come with me.
But on earth is where you shall stay.
Please do not be sad.
Instead laugh and be glad.
I'm in a beautiful place, such a beautiful place.
I know you wont see me for a while.
But you will hear from me.
I will be the wind that will chill you on a hot summer day.
I will be the sun that will warm you when it's cold.
Listen to the birds sing, I will be saying, "I love you" in their song.
I know you can't touch me.
But you will feel me.
Because I will be inside of you giving you life on the days you feel like you can't go on anymore.
Please I beg of you, go on, live your life as I lived mine.
Always remember we will be together again.
I will be patiently waiting for you on that day.
When you will join me in this beautiful place.
Until then may God bless you with his almighty grace.
Written By: Kimberly Ann Kerek
amanda ayers
June 1, 2010
my condolences go out to the Gray family, especially his brothers in Slipknot, and friends.. Paul, I never knew or met you but you seemed like a good person.. you will be missed forever!! from a fellow slipknot fan..
June 1, 2010
mike jasso feels for ya
mike jasso
June 1, 2010
mike jasso feels for ya
C. Bivens
June 1, 2010
i am so sorry for your loss. The bible can be of some comfort at John 5:28,29. I hope that it can be of some comfort.
L. Ellis
May 31, 2010
Sincere condolences to the family
May God be your comfort during this time of loss. Isa 61: 2
kenneth curtis
May 31, 2010
paul you will alwas live on in the music and in my heart
a fan forever
stephanie galland
May 31, 2010
my husband love there songs he said that they are one of the best groups around and paul will be miss but never forgotton
Edmonton Alberta
May 31, 2010
A wonderful man and sound forever missed but never forgotten.......thanks Paul and I hope you feel better soon Brenna....
May 31, 2010
RIP paul!italian maggots.
alice
May 31, 2010
My condolences to the Gray family, during this time of great sorrow may it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss.I too know the pain of losing someone dear. Even though Our hearts are broken rest assure that our Grand Creator cares about you personally 1peter5:7 and can help you though this difficult time.
Kristina Bailey
May 31, 2010
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear that you just lose your Paul Gray. He was a wonderful family and very talented. God gives us a promise by saying, "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." (Revelation 21:4) This his greatest promise that he gives mankind. Please find comfort in these words.
Garry O'Donnell
May 31, 2010
now...Everything Else is just dust and sound
Laura Clear
May 30, 2010
Mourning the loss of Paul Gray. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the guys of Slipknot.
Katarina Schmitz
May 30, 2010
All of us maggots love and miss you so much, Paul. We just hope you can feel us way up there in heaven. As Outside the Nine's Jojo said:
"The new angel doesn't play a harp - he rocks with a bass guitar!!"
Jennie McKinley
May 30, 2010
R.I.P. Paul, you will be greatly missed. God bless your family and friends and all who love you.
Claudia
May 30, 2010
My thoughts are with the Gray family and his friends from Slipknot. All the Maggots will deeply miss him. May he rest in peace...
Jared Patterson
May 30, 2010
R.I.P. Paul, you will be missed.
Suzie Kamberg
May 30, 2010
R.I.P. Paul. You will live on through your music and Maggots worldwide.
Jerry Connelly
May 29, 2010
God bless you brother..Looking down from heaven on us with all the greats at your side.RIP..
Bruce & kelsey Hansen
May 29, 2010
RIP Paul gray.Slipnot and the gray family have lost a great person and talented individual.we will miss you and rock n roll will miss you.
Brenda Carroll
May 29, 2010
Paul, may your family find peace at this difficult time. It is always a shame when someone special leaves this life. Thank you for all I received, a stranger who loved your music. May you find peace...
darrell mcclain
May 29, 2010
we will miss you so much and slipknot will never be the same with out you. you were such an impact to all of us and i will never forget you Paul love your fellow maggot darrell
Alex Tapia
May 29, 2010
Paul Gray you will be missed by all your fans we love you man RIP you were takin to early from your family friends band and fans..my thoughts and prayers go to the Gray family and to SlipKnoT..RIP Bro
Sam Whitaker
May 29, 2010
Paul... Your music is wonderful. Myself along with your brothers in Slipknot as well as your wife and daughter will miss you to no end. Rest in peace my friend...
RIP
Dino Štivin
May 29, 2010
Dino Štivin
May 29, 2010
Rest In Peace my dear friend...
Linette Rutledge
May 29, 2010
So very sad Paul was a great musician and brought us wonderful entertainment!
Looking Out
Sonrisa
May 29, 2010
My condolences go out to the family of Mr. Gray :
He used his talents to entertain many and that was his passion; however I'd like to offer you some comfort as I have found in God's word about death. Although it is sudden, it is not the end. Death is a powerful enemy of ours that only God can defeat. He promises us ,"as the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing. 1 corl 15:26. I pray that God can give the strength to endure each day as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
LISA DORNHECKER
May 29, 2010
REST IN PEACE PAUL!! PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL THE FAMILY AND MY DEEPEST CONDOLANCES!!! ROCK ON!!
William Smink
May 29, 2010
my thoughts and prayers go out to the gray family... i was absolutely devastated to hear the news monday, you will be missed dearly! i hope you are at peace up there in heaven jamming with Dio, the rev, cliff and dime bag! my heart goes out to the members of slipknot and the members of the gray family i am deeply sorry for your loss... Im gonna miss you paul, Rest in Peace
Trina Crocker
May 29, 2010
:'( mi names trina ive loved u scence 6th grade im bout to be done with 8th right now i love ur music ur metal it som how always calmed me down in bad times and realli behind all uu groups music u al were gud i found out about ur death yesterday 05-28-10 i cried all day R.I.P Paul
~ Trina Croker
Jared Tucker
May 29, 2010
My sincerest condolences to the Gray family and the family of Slipknot. Paul will be missed by all but never forgotten.
William Speck
May 28, 2010
R.I.P Paul !! Your # 1 Fan in Indiana You will be missed !!
Sierra Jackson
May 28, 2010
words will never suffice the way you and the rest of the nine have impacted lives around the world, what you have accoplished, or how much you will be missed.i too, share the same struggles and hope you have finally found peace.
tony cotto
May 28, 2010
paul gray is up in the universe playing with kieth moon dime bag darrel and peter steele the raven of pale
May 28, 2010
R.I.P. Paul, i was very fortunate to meet you once in manchester uk, you gave me and my friend the biggest hug and chatted to us, you were a great guy and you will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with your family and your slipknot brothers.
Brian Zepf
May 28, 2010
Rest in peach Paul, and may your legendary spirit stay with your wife and unborn child, and your brothers inside the Nine.
Aaron Slaughter
May 28, 2010
R.I.P. paul Gray. you and the other 8 brothers were a big influence on my life. Your music has touched myself and many others. You will be missed.
Tyler Shrofe
May 28, 2010
Rest in piece you will be missed T_T your bass playing skills were amazing
The Sterns
May 28, 2010
Rest in PEACE and God Bless your family, neighbor!
Kendra Stevens
May 28, 2010
R.I.P. Paul, you will be greatly missed by all that were touched by your music.
april torres
May 28, 2010
rip in piece paul you were the best you and brenna and the guys became part of my family GOD BLESS AND OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE GRAY FAMILY
Austin McDaniel
May 28, 2010
RIP Paul Gray. You are the best of the best and the world wont be the same without you. WE LOVE YOU PAUL! RIP man
austin mcdaniel
May 28, 2010
RIP Paul Gray. you are the best of the best and the world wont be the same without you. WE LOVE YOU PAUL! RIP
Daniel Gamboa
May 28, 2010
RIP Paul Grey #2 Thanks for the memories. I dedicate Thin Lizzy Holy War to you.
Daniel Gamboa
May 28, 2010
RIP Paul Grey #2 Everytime my grandson would hear pyschosocial it was on! It was headbanging time or us. Thanks Slipknot. From Nebraska
Micky
May 28, 2010
RIP brother, and may all your loved ones be blessed.
Lori Routh
May 28, 2010
May you R.I.P,. You will be missed by all..My heart & prayers go out to your friends and family at this difficult time.. Brenna & The guys from Slipknot I cant imagine your pain and what your going through many hugs to you all.
chris kennedy
May 28, 2010
rip paul you were the best bass play ever my love goes out to all the fans who will deeply miss you :( rip and to your loving wife and daugher
David Blacksher
May 28, 2010
R.I.P Paul. I've listened to your music since I was 12. I'm 24 now and over the years your music has become a part of my life as well as others. You will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Brenna and the rest of Slipknot. God bless and stay (sic).
Stephanie Price
May 28, 2010
Rest in Peace Paul. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and all the guys of the band.
Kellie and Sardar Alam
May 28, 2010
R.I.P. You will be sadly missed.
Gerry D
May 28, 2010
#2 Paul your music ment so much to so many people you will be missed
valerie kovacs
May 28, 2010
r.i.p paul u will be missed
FRANK JR. RIVERA
May 28, 2010
~R.I.P.~ PAUL...THANKS FOR THE GREAT MUSIC AND THE CONCERTS. YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. I'LL TAT "#2 R.I.P." NEXT TO MY SLIPKNOT TAT.
Willy Winder
May 28, 2010
R.I.P. Paul you are truely missed and loved, enjoy hangin with Ronnie and Peter and all the greats that have passed before you, may your legend live on forever and never be forgotten, my condolences to the friends and family members of the Gray family, this is truely a tragedy in the world.
jamie irby (peak)
May 28, 2010
tears.... rest in peace paul, rest in peace.. thank you for giving your fans, your family, and your brothers good memories.. we miss you so much!! but now your brothers will play for you.. you and dime can rock the heavens together.. we miss you paul!!
michael cutsforth
May 28, 2010
rest in peace Paul. with the sorrow of a loss of an irreplaceable fixture in everyone who's lives he touched we must stive to celebrate the exceptional life that this rock icon led.
Gerry D
May 28, 2010
#2 rest in peace my brother ,
Charlie Brown
May 28, 2010
RIP Paul. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Thank you for the talent and great music you shared with us. Teach them how to really rock in heaven babe. You are and will be greatly missed. Charlie
Tonie Arnold
May 27, 2010
R. I. P. Paul Gray :o(
kristine miller
May 27, 2010
RIP Paul.I have been feeling this way to much lately...to many of our beloved musicians have left us...
My heart bleeds for his family,friends,and band.
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