Flotsam and Jetsam are losing drummer Kelly Smith. Smith, the lone remaining founding member of the Phoenix, AZ thrash band, left in 1997 and was replaced by Craig Nielsen, but would rejoin the band in 2011.

Kelly Smith released the following statement:

“As of August my family has suffered the loss of two family members and a third is now in critical condition. With all that has taken place, it has taken me away from the focus of my duties in Flotsam for the foreseeable future. In 1982 Flotsam (Dredlox – Dogz) was born in Scottsdale, AZ, on my parents back patio. Despite all the progress we have made, I am regretfully unable to continue on this journey, as always I only want the best should my comrades continue the good fight. Flotz til Death.”

There is no word on Smith’s replacement. The band is in the middle of recording a new album, due out spring of 2015. Earlier this year they released a re-recording of their 1988 album, No Place for Disgrace.

(via Blabbermouth)