Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman’s Cause of Death Revealed

The band Slayer announced in a press release today (May 10) that lead guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who was a legendary figure in heavy metal, died of "alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver."

Hanneman's passing was announced on May 3, prompting early speculation that prior health issues brought on by a necrotizing fasciitis infection that resulted from a spider bite may have been to blame.

A public memorial is to be held, the date for which has not yet been confirmed.

The statement, posted on Slayer's Facebook page, reads as follows:

"While the details are being worked out now, Slayer wants its fans to know that there will be a celebration of Jeff Hanneman's life sometime later this month, along with Jeff's family and friends, the public will be invited to attend. More information will be posted here soon. ...

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."