Former Weezer bass player, Mikey Welsh has died unexpectedly aged 40, however the cause of death is still unknown. Welsh joined Weezer in 1998 following the exit of original bassist Matt Sharp but left the band in 2001 following a drug-induced mental breakdown.
The news of his death was revealed by his family in a message posted on Facebook and Twitter today:
We are deeply saddened to announce that Mikey Welsh passed away unexpectedly today. He will forever be remembered as an amazing father, artist, and friend. May he rest in peace.
After leaving Weezer in 2001, Welsh pursued a career in art working on large scale figures and abstracts while living in Vermont.
RIP Mikey Welsh, 1971-2011
