He'd been struggling with health issues since a near-fatal spider bite in 2011, which had kept him out of the band ever since. A statement says:

"Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11am this morning. He was in an area hospital.

"He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."