Slipknot co-founder and former drummer Joey Jordison reportedly died in his sleep at the age of 46.
As TMZ reported, the 46-year-old musician was found dead at the scene, whereas the official cause of death is yet to be determined by a medical examiner.
The publication also revealed that law enforcement sources confirmed that no illegal substances were discovered in the home and that no foul play is suspected.
Following the tragic passing, Joey’s family paid a tribute to the co-writer of some of Slipknot’s biggest hit in a statement shared by Rolling Stone.
“Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” the family expressed in their statement.
“To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart, and his love for all things family and music. The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans, and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time.”
According to the publication, the family is set to hold a private funeral for the 46-year-old.
Joey, who was born Nathan Jonas Jordison, was a natural talent who started practicing drumming at the age of eight.
In 1995, by the time he was just twenty years old, Joey co-founded heavy metal band Slipknot together with bassist Paul ‘the Pig’ Gray and percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan.
Besides co-founding the band and playing drums, Joey also helped co-write several of Slipknot’s best hits including My Plague and Gematria (The Killing Name).
The three co-founders remained part of the band until 2010 when Paul Gray died of an overdose. Following his friend’s death, Joey admitted going “berserk” and “into shock” after losing his best friend.
In the following years, Joey remained with the band but struggled with his health after developing acute transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord.
Though he eventually recovered from his condition after he was unable to play for some time, Joey was fired from the band in 2013.
Speaking about his dismissal from the band to Metal Hammer in 2016, the drummer claimed he was fired over an e-mail.
“I’ve been through so many things with those guys and I love them very much. What’s hurtful is the way it went down was not f***ing right,” Joey said at the time.
“No band meeting? None. Anything from management? No, nothing. All I got was a stupid f***ing email saying I was out of the band that I busted my a** my whole life to f***ing create.”
After leaving Slipknot, the musician went on to give life to two bands called Sinsaenum and Vimic.
Three years ago, he also declared that he was stronger than ever as he announced his return to the music scene following his long battle with acute transverse myelitis.
Our thoughts are with Joey’s family and friends during these hard times. May he rest in peace.