The bassist from heavy metal band Slipknot was found dead yesterday (May 24). TheStar.com reports that Paul Gray’s body was discovered in a hotel room in Johnston, Iowa.
For now, the circumstances of his death remain unknown, but foul play is not suspected. Police ruled out this theory because they found no evidence of violence at the scene.
An employee of the TownePlace Suites hotel, located near Iowa’s capital of Des Moines, found Gray’s lifeless body in his room. He was 38 years old.
Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix said, "Paul Gray was an awesome person on and off stage. He will be missed by many including myself. His spirit will live on through the killer music he wrote."
A spokesperson for Slipknot’s record label, Roadrunner Records, confirmed Gray’s death but provided no further details.
An investigation has been opened into his death. A toxicological analysis and an autopsy will be performed today (May 25) to determine the exact cause of death.
Gray was arrested in 2003 following a traffic accident and was found to have cocaine and pot in his possession.