Brent Hinds, the 51-year-old guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Mastodon, died in Atlanta on Wednesday (August 20) following a fatal motorcycle accident involving a BMW SUV that failed to yield at an intersection. Mastodon confirmed his passing with a social media statement on Thursday: “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans.” A police investigation into the accident is still ongoing. Back in March, Hinds parted ways with Mastodon after 25 years, which the band claimed was a mutual decision. The guitarist publicly contested the split on social media, claiming they “kicked me out of the band.” Hinds, who was a co-vocalist as well as guitarist in Mastodon, was instrumental in the band’s success over their 25-year career, which included nine Billboard 200-charting albums, multiple Top 10 hits, and a Grammy win for Best Metal Performance in 2018 for “Sultan’s Curse.” (Billboard)