Lynyrd Skynyrd issued a statement on their website "With our deepest sympathy we have lost another one of our brothers to the rock and roll heaven. We had many a good time writing and playing with Hughie and spent many miles on the road together. God bless his family and all the fans that love Hughie for his playing and singing. Out hearts and prayers go out to his family. He will be truly missed. Fly on Free Bird."

Thomasson was a founder of the legendary southern rock band The Outlaws and stayed with the band through several lineup changes, breakups and reformations. During their career they produced 13 albums and amassed a loyal following. Following one of their breakups, Thomasson joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996 and stay with them up until the 2005 reunion of the Outlaws.