2025 sucks. Really sucks. While we’re still not over the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, we are hearing horrific news that former Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has passed away. Gone too soon and horrifically tragic, the Atlanta News First reports Hinds (51) tragically died in a motorcycle collision in southeast Atlanta on Wednesday night (20). The Fulton County medical examiner’s office has since confirmed his death.
Atlanta Police responded around 11:35 p.m. to a crash at Memorial Dr. SE and Boulevard SE. Officers found Hinds unresponsive and confirmed he had been operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle. A woman driving a BMW SUV stayed at the scene. Preliminary findings suggest Hinds was traveling westbound on Boulevard when the SUV turned left into his path. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Accident Investigations Unit is actively investigating.
Initial reports of Hinds’s death surfaced on Reddit after Tool guitarist Adam Jones shared a photo of Brent on his Instagram Story early today (21).
Despite splitting with Mastodon earlier this year, which didn’t appear amicable, the band pressed on and shared the below heartfelt statement via Facebook on this sudden and tragic loss:
“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. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time.
RIP Brent.”
Hinds still had much ahead of him, including a European tour scheduled for this fall. His sudden passing is deeply shocking and profoundly tragic, leaving the metal community to mourn another great loss. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time.
