Rock drummer dies unexpectedly

The drummer for the Huntington Beach-based band Avenged Sevenfold was found dead in his home Monday morning.

James Owen Sullivan was found unresponsive in his Huntington Beach home and pronounced dead at 11 a.m., authorities said.

The remaining members of Avenged Sevenfold issued a statement on their website this morning around 5 a.m. announcing the death of “Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan.”

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan,” the band said in a statement. “Jimmy was not only one of the world’s best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother.”

— Britney Barnes