Avenged Sevenfold Drummer James 'The Rev' Sullivan Found Dead at 28
Posted on Dec 29th 2009 1:15AM by Chris Harris
57 Comments
California rockers Avenged Sevenfold have confirmed the passing of founding member and drummer James 'The Rev' Sullivan. He was found dead at his home on Dec. 28, and police believe he died from natural causes. Sullivan was 28 years old."It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan," the band says in a statement confirming their drummer's death. "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."
The Orange County Register was the first media outlet to report on Sullivan's unexpected death. Police were notified by firefighters who'd responded to Sullivan's home at approximately 1 PM PT. He is survived by a wife.
The Orange County Coroner's Office will be looking into what exactly caused the death. Avenged Sevenfold recently finished tracking their fifth album. In 2005, the band broke out from the underground with their major label debut 'City of Evil.'
Fans of the band took to social networking sites late Monday to express their condolences. Papa Roach, via Facebook, commented that it was "a sad day for rock and roll" and said Sullivan "would be greatly missed."
Filed under: News
Comments
HUCK BLACK ROBOTat 12.29.2009 1:43AM
12-28-09 This was a great man and a fantastic drummer. You will be missed greatly. Im sorry you wont be at the Viper Room on Sunset this Saturday as planned. We will all miss you.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family and fans.
R.I.P.
Rock & Roll
tatr04at 12.29.2009 11:29AM
My Prayers to Avenged Sevenfold and all Family members in this horrible time. His music will live forever in all of us.
melissa362736at 12.29.2009 8:38AM
An awesome drummer! I am sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
hans1056at 12.29.2009 8:39AM
NATURAL CAUSES - THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THAT GOING AROUND LATELY WITHIN THE YOUNGER ENTERTAINMENT CROWD
RYANat 12.29.2009 8:51AM
How do you die of natural causes at 28?I like this band too and Im sorry this guy passed,but 28?Come on.
laurarvail1at 12.29.2009 12:37PM
Ryan - we've had kids in our town, going to sports practice at age 16 who dropped dead from heart attacks and previously undisclosed heart defects, and atypical seizures... those are "natural causes". I didn't know of this young man, but from the outpouring of condolences, and no negatives, he must've been quite a person, and I share in that grief.
brachm5at 12.29.2009 8:52AM
Natural causes does not explain the Cause of death. Young people don't just die of natural causes. He either had a disease or a heart attack due to some other reason.
summerdollat 12.29.2009 9:30AM
The world lost another great one with his passing..... R.I.P. Rev,,, jam with my Brother and watch over my angels,, your death has already effected millions.. with tears in my eyes I I write this,, for it seems only the good and gentle souls get taken first... The world is a little bit darker with you gone...........
xoxo
Summer,
Quest, &
Stormy Ray
eliseat 12.29.2009 9:06PM
YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.
goddesstat 12.29.2009 9:34AM
Wow....what a huge loss. Blessings and light to his loved ones, friends & fans.....a candle will be lit at sundown today to bid him a swift journey.
doclouisat 12.29.2009 9:43AM
"Natural Causes" at 28? that just doesnt make sense unless the poor guy had a medical illness caused his death?
Jakeat 12.30.2009 10:17AM
youve got to understand that he drank alot. like 40's in the park twice a day. R.I.P. prayers are with you always.
suziebisbackat 12.29.2009 9:48AM
WOW... these rockers are dropping like flies these days, aren't they?
mariagzzat 12.29.2009 10:01AM
Just recently started listening to their music and watching their concerts on screen. I deeply admired the talent he possessed. Considering that this 46 year old woman just started appreciating heavy metal music (and loving it!) I express my sincerest and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Sullivan. With a heavy heart I start off my morning today.
lograham002at 12.29.2009 10:10AM
RIP "the rev" u will b greatly missed...keep drumming in the afterlife...
bella redheadat 12.29.2009 10:29AM
the guy who commented that'HMMM,it seem alot OF NATURAL
cause goin on wit the YOUNG crowd it seem brittany and
now this guy few others,etc.brittany murhphy,yes this is true it do seem completely peculiar however i know most times it is drug involve,whether or not brittany murphy show this,or this guy etc. we will never know UNLESS they reveal it,either way not funny he die at almost just 30 i feel bad for him,so rest in peace,however BUT WE ALL MUST take care of ourselves,no alcohol for me or drugs NUNCA... never and proud of this adios....RIP to this guy.
never heard of his band,but rip.
Lesliat 12.29.2009 10:45AM
My prayers are with the family of James Sullivan. It is heartbreaking to lose a son, husband, friend that has so much more life to live. I don't know what caused his death, but if drugs or alcohol was a part of it, I hope the family decides to educate others in order to prevent another loss. We have lost too many.
http://grief-journal.blogspot.com
llpersgardat 12.29.2009 10:51AM
I'm glad I had the opportunity to see them as the headliner for the Taste of Chaos tour. A very talented group of young men. (I'm 50) So sad to see someone with such a bright future pass so young. R.I.P. Rev.
Terriat 12.29.2009 11:01AM
Sad news. My teenage sons have listened to this band from the beginning. I could probably sing along to most of their songs. From the parent of teenagers, one who appreciates the music of Avenged Sevenfold, my deepest condolences. RIP, Mr. Sullivan.
Gustavoat 12.29.2009 10:53AM
To those complaining on how do you die of natural causes, would it had been better if it said he was a crack head and died of an overdose.Godspeed Rev