Jeff Hanneman

The tributes to founding Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman from the metal community continue to pour in tonight following the news he passed away earlier today at the age of 49. After such artists as Slash, Corey Taylor, Pantera and more paid respect to Hanneman earlier in the evening, several more rockers have offered their condolences via Twitter.

As reported earlier, legendary Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman died at 11AM PT today. Hanneman had contracted the skin tissue disease necrotizing fasciitis, most likely from a spider bite, in early 2011, and had not been touring with the band since that time...

It's with true sadness that we report that legendary Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman has died at the age of 49. The tragic news was confirmed by a press release issued moments ago.