ATLANTA, Ga. ( WANF /Gray News) - The former lead guitarist for the popular heavy metal band Mastodon died overnight in Georgia, according to authorities.

Atlanta Police said William Brent Hinds was killed Wednesday night in a crash while on a Harley Davidson when the driver of a BMW failed to yield while making a turn at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard.

Hinds’ death was confirmed by the Fulton County medical examiner’s office.

The 51-year-old was best known for his time with the Atlanta-based band Mastodon, which he co-founded in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor.

As of 2025, the band has released eight albums and earned one Grammy award for their performance of “Sultan’s Curse” from their 2017 album “Emperor of Sand.

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