Slayer: Jeff Hanneman died of cirrhosis
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This 2009 publicity photo provided courtesy of Slayer shows, from left, Dave Lombardo, Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and Tom Araya. Hanneman, 49, a founding member of the heavy metal band Slayer, has died. Slayer spokeswoman Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald says Hanneman died Thursday morning, May 2, 2013, of liver failure at a Los Angeles hospital with his wife, Kathy, by his side. (AP)
Members of Slayer say Jeff Hanneman died of alcohol-related cirrhosis.
The guitarist died last week at a hospital in Hemet, Calif., at age 49. It was initially theorized that Hanneman's death might have had something to do with a suspected spider bite that led to a case of necrotizing fasciitis, nearly costing him his arm.
The band disclosed Hanneman's cause of death on its website Thursday, and a publicist said Friday the determination was made by his attending physician. She did not know the doctor's name.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The statement says Hanneman was not aware of the extent of damage to his liver until his last days.
The band also says it is planning a public celebration of Hanneman's life later this month with details to come.