Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He was 49. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.
In 2011 the guitarist had reportedly suffered from a spider bite on his arm which led to necrotizing fasciitis. Now word on whether this complication may have contributed to his passing.
Hanneman co-founded the thrash metal greats with Kerry King in 1981; their breakthrough came in 1986 with the landmark album Reign in Blood. Hanneman wrote or co-wrote the set’s standout tracks, Angel of Death and Raining Blood.