Last week brought the tragic news that Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman had passed away after suffering liver failure. He was 48. 

At the time, there was speculation that Hanneman’s death was related to his struggles in recent years with necrotizing fasciitis, which he had contracted following a spider bite. As Exclaim report, however, Slayer have now confirmed that Hannean’s death was a result of  “alcohol related cirrhosis”. In a post on the band’s Facebook page, the band wrote the following:

We’ve just learned that the official cause of Jeff’s death was alcohol related cirrhosis.  While he had his health struggles over the years, including the recent Necrotizing fasciitis infection that devastated his well-being, Jeff and those close to him were not aware of the true extent of his liver condition until the last days of his life.  Contrary to some reports, Jeff was not on a transplant list at the time of his passing, or at any time prior to that.  In fact, by all accounts, it appeared that he had been improving – he was excited and looking forward to working on a new record.

In addition, the post reveals that the band are planning a public event in “celebration of Jeff Hanneman’s life” later this month, with more information to follow. The band also share their favourite memories of Hanneman, including stories about the recording of South Of Heaven and nights spent watching Full Metal Jacket together on the tour bus. Slayer’s debut album Show No Mercy turns 30 this year.