Bryan Hagan Dead: Former Heir Apparent Singer Dies at 39

Bryan Hagan, a singer who fronted the Seattle traditional metal band Heir Apparent from 2002 to 2003, has died, Bravewords.com reports. He was 39.

"He was a gentle giant," reads an official statement on the group's website, "and a great friend. Bryan was slated as first choice to replace Paul Davidson for the 2012 reunion shows last January in Greece and Germany, but was unable to make the trip."

"We are shocked and tremendously saddened by his untimely passing," the post continues. "You will be greatly missed, my friend."

Hagan's cause of death has not been released yet.

Formed in 1984, Heir Apparent released two albums -- Graceful Inheritance (1986) and One Small Voice (1988) -- before splitting up in 1989. Although they never attained commercial success at home, they were popular throughout Europe, and according to the band's MySpace page, Graceful Inheritance remains "the highest rated album" by Germany's Rock Hard magazine.

Hagan came on board several years after Heir Apparent regrouped in 1999, and according to the MySpace page, there had been plans to record new material.