Ean Evans of Lynyrd Skynyrd passes away

by Blaine Metzgar | May 7, 2009 at 09:24 am

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Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist, Ean Evans, has died after a long battle with cancer.

Evans was only 48 when he passed away on May 6, 2009. Evans joined the famed Southern rock band after Leon Wilkeson, the band's former bassist passed away in 2001.

The message on the band's website reads: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans. Ean put up a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer and he will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans."

Evans played on the legendary band's 2003 album "Vicious Cycle" and toured with the group up until his battle with cancer kept him from performing. He was replaced on tour with Johnny Van Zant. Throughout their current tour the band has been asking audiences to keep Evans in their prayers.

Evans is the second member of the band to pass away this year.

Keyboardist Billy Powell died in January after complaining of shortness of breath. Heart attack was suspected, but was not proven since an autopsy was not performed.

Lynyrd Skynyrd has a long history of band members dying, in 1977 three members died in a plane crash in Mississippi.

Evans is survived by his wife Eva and two daughters, Andrea and Sydney.