Brent Hinds, an ex-guitarist and vocalist for the heavy metal band Mastodon, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, in a motorcycle accident. He was 51.

A representative for the group and Hinds confirmed the news to USA TODAY on Thursday, Aug. 21. In a social media statement, Mastodon's remaining members mourned Hinds, writing, "We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief. … Last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident."

"We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we've shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many," the band's statement read on Aug. 21.

According to a memo from Atlanta police, cited by Rolling Stone and Atlanta News First, authorities responded to reports of an accident and found a man, whom they have not yet identified officially as Hinds, unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The man appeared to be riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the time of his death. USA TODAY has reached out to authorities for comment.

According to the memo, a preliminary investigation concluded that a woman, driving a BMW SUV, failed to yield when turning left, resulting in a collision with Hinds. The investigation is ongoing.

Hinds was best known for his work with Mastodon, which he co-founded in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor. After decades of success and a Grammy win, Hinds left the group this year, at first announcing the split in a cordial joint statement, but later claiming he was kicked out and blasting his former bandmates.

An Alabama native, Hinds originally played the banjo, before trading it in for the electric guitar-heavy amp setup he favored later in his career. His vocals, which he lent to several of Mastodon’s complex concept albums like "Leviathan" and "Emperor of Sand," were boisterous and scrappy.

A southern-twinged heavy metal sound, accompanied by psychedelic album art, became Mastodon's calling card, as they steadily gained popularity in the mid-2000s. Hinds was nominated for six Grammy awards, nabbing one win in 2018 for best metal performance on "Sultan's Curse," a headbanger off the group’s 2017 project "Emperor of Sand."

"Our hearts are with Brent's family, friends, and fans," the band's statement concluded. "At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brent Hinds, Mastodon guitarist and co-founder, dies in motorcycle crash at 51

Reporting by Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect