AceShowbiz -

Sad news come from the music world when the drummer of Avenged Sevenfold was found dead at his Southern California home on Monday, December 28 at around 1 P.M.. Early indication suggests James Owen Sullivan died out of natural causes but Orange County coroner is still investigating the death.

Sullivan, which goes by the stage name The Rev, was 28 by the time he died. No other detail regarding the circumstances of his death has been released, but the musician is known to have a history of drug abuse. The band has released a statement on their official site to announce the passing. "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan," they said.

Further in the statement signed by M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Chris, "Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time."

With Avenged Sevenfold, James Owen Sullivan attained fame through their 2005 album "City of Evil". They won a trophy of Best New Artist at 2006 MTV Video Music Awards and continued the success with an album at No. 4 of Billboard Hot 200 in 2007.

The band are reportedly on the way to make their fifth album when The Rev died.