TAMPA, FL. (THECOUNT) — Former Morbid Angel guitarist, Richard Brunelle, has died, according to Friday reports. He was 55.

Band members confirmed the passing of the death metal guitarist. Brunelle passed away on Monday, September 23rd. A cause of death was not provided.

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Brunelle’s former bandmate Pete Sandoval seems to confirm the news on Instagram, writing:

RIP #richardbrunelle: This is really sad! So many great memories we shared together that I’ll never forget, hope and wish you are in a better place. My condolences to his family. I just received an email of his family letting me know about this sad new, please, a little respect guys, don’t ask me the cause of death or something like that, does it matter? he just passed away and that’s sad,” reports MetalInjection.

Brunelle joined the band in 1985 and stayed through 1992 and played on their two classic albums, 1989’s Altars of Madness and 1991’s Blessed Are the Sick. He recently launched a new project called Mosaic Covenant.

Morbid Angel have been described as one of “the most influential and emulated bands in death metal.”

Geo quick facts: Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park with thrill rides and animal-viewing areas. The historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is a dining and nightlife destination – wikipedia.