An autopsy failed to shed light on the passing of Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, but additional tests have been ordered in an attempt to determine the cause of death. Sullivan was found Monday in his Huntington Beach, California home. He was 28.
When Sullivan’s body was discovered, a spokesman for the Huntington Beach Police Department said the death appeared to be from natural causes. According to the Orange County Register, “toxicology, microscopic and laboratory tests” have been ordered, but it will take weeks for results to come back.?
Avenged Sevenfold manager Larry Jacobson told the OC Register that friends and family of “the Rev” congregated Monday night. “[The] mood ranged from deep and somber to smiles and laughs as they began to reminisce about the experiences everybody had with him,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson also mentioned the intimate nature of the band members’ relationships — the five friends formed Avenged Sevenfold in high school. “Never in my life have I seen a relationship like that, and I think the relationship the four have right now will help them get through this traumatic time,” Jacobson said.
Fellow musicians have begun to offer condolences. Tourmates Papa Roach offered the following: “This is a sad day for Rock And Roll. RIP Jimmy ‘Rev’ Sullivan. You will be greatly missed, my friend.”
Buckcherry, another band who’s hit the road with Avenged Sevenfold, tweeted a tribute: “The Rev… You will be missed. Rest in peace our brother from the road. The entire A7X family is in our thoughts.”
Added Doc Coyle of God Forbid, who took out A7X as an opening band in 2002: “This is a a true tragedy, and he will be missed greatly.” Also, from My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero: “I’m at a loss. Rest in peace, Rev. You will be missed.”
