Mastodon Co-Founder Brent Hinds Dies In Motorycle Accident

Mastodon co-founder/guitarist Brent Hinds died last night (Aug. 20) after his motorcycle was hit by a car in Atlanta. The musician, who left the band under tumulttous circumstances in March, was 51.

Hinds was reportedly struck by a BMV SUV that failed to yield at an intersection. Local police are investigating the accident.

More from Spin:

• Mastodon Play First Show After Split With Co-Founder Brent Hinds
• Tool Hosting Destination Festival In Dominican Republic
• The 50 Best Songs of 2002

In announcing Hinds’ exit from the band he co-founded in Atlanta in 2000, Mastodon said the move was mutual and they wished “him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.” The group quickly replaced him with guitarist Ben Eller, who has since been replaced by Nick Johnston.

Hinds disputed his former band members’ version of events, at one point calling them “horrible humans” on social media.

This is a developing story.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.