James Owen Sullivan aka The Rev, Avenged Sevenfold drummer appeared to have died of natural causes. The Rev has left family, friends and fans in shock tonight – many of whom are only learning of the news this morning. Sullivan is survived by wife Leana MacFadden aka Leana Silver and died at his home in South California.

album Sullivan served as both singer and drummer for Avenged Sevenfold who achieved much fame and acclaim in 2005 with their City of Evil.

Reuters are reporting that "The Rev appeared to have died of natural causes, Huntington Beach police Lt.. John Domingo told the Orange County Register. He was 28th The Orange County Coroner's Office is investigating, the paper said. "

A statement on the band's website reads: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time. Jimmy you are forever in our hearts. We love you. "

The Rev was a co-founder of the band which started in 1999. As any reader of Metal Hammer wants to know the band became notorious for their drug-taking and other rock'n'roll pursuits, but have recently attempted to live down its reputation for debauchery. Reuters stated that "Sullivan, in particular, had raised eyebrows after a 2006 cover story in magazine metal revolver described his penchant for cocaine and other drugs."

Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band formed in 1999. The current members are M. Shadows, Zacky Vengeance, The Reverend Tholomew Plague, Synyster Gates and Johnny Christ.

Their debut album Sounding the Seventh Trumpet (2001) was released when the members of the band were only eighteen years old and after the release of their second album Waking the Fallen (2003) the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records.

Their first release under the new label was 2005's City Of Evil , on altogether more melodic record, veering away from the screaming vocals of their first two releases. The album reached No.30 on the Billboard charts, helped by the success of the single "Bat Country".

For most of 2006 they undertook a worldwide tour, but they canceled the autumn and winter dates, stating that they were working on their next album Avenged Sevenfold , planned for release in October 2007.

Avenged Sevenfold were currently working on their latest album, due for release in 2010.

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