Brent Hinds, the co-founder of Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died after being injured in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. He was 51.

The group posted a statement on their Instagram page, “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many.”

The statement also revealed that a man riding a Harley Davidson was hit by an SUV at the intersection of Memorial Dr. SE and Boulevard SE in Atlanta around 11:35 p.m. Wednesday. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

Authorities noted the investigation is still ongoing.

The victim was identified as William Brent Hinds. Records from the Medical Examiner’s office, released Thursday, state he died from multiple blunt force injuries.

Shadowgate – Flickr: Mastodon 15, Wikipedia

Hinds, who played guitar, left the band in March. According to CNN, Hinds appeared to harbor some resentment toward his bandmates following the split, though he never addressed it in detail publicly, aside from a comment on the band’s social media page that was later deleted.