AceShowbiz - Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King has died.

The rocker, who joined the band in 1972 and left three years later, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, August 22. He was 68.

"It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ed King...," a post on his Facebook page reads. "We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career."

King was also a founding member of Strawberry Alarm Clock.

He joined Lynyrd Skynyrd as a temporary replacement for bassist Leon Wilkeson before becoming a full-time member and third guitarist.

He appeared on the band's first three albums and on the tracks Sweet Home Alabama, which he co-wrote, and Free Bird.

Founding guitarist Gary Rossington has released a tribute statement, calling King, "a great songwriter and guitar player".

"I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock and Roll Heaven," he adds. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.