Mastodon share heartbreaking statement after Brent Hinds killed in motorcyle accident: “We are heartbroken”
Former Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, aged 51.
Hinds’ death has been confirmed by the Fulton County medical examiner’s office to local Atlanta television station WANF.
The incident occurred on August 20th at around 11:35pm, per a report from the Atlanta Police Department. They wrote: “Officers responded to an accident at the intersection of Memorial Dr. SE & Boulevard SE. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male who was involved in the collision. The male appeared to be operating a Harley Davidson during the time of collision.”
The report continued: “Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased. The other driver involved, a female who occupied a BMW SUV remained on scene. The APD Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine the circumstances.”
The police stated their preliminary investigation indicates Hinds died after the driver of the BMW SUV “failed to yield while turning left and collided into the male victim who was operating the Harley Davidson.”
An investigation into Hinds’ death is ongoing.
Mastodon have led the tributes to Hinds, writing on Instagram in an emotional post, “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brett Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. 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.”
Their heartfelt statement continued: “Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. R.I.P. Brent.”
Hinds founded Mastodon alongside drummer Brann Dailor, guitarist Bill Kelliher and bassist Troy Sanders in 2000. He departed the group in March 2025.
Upon his departure, the decision appeared amicable with the band saying in a statement: “Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways.”
They continued: “We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.”
Sadly, in recent months, Hinds’ relationship with his former bandmates appeared fractured when he made a series of unfavourable social media comments about Mastodon. Earlier this month, the guitarist said he was “kicked out” and wrote online, “I’ve never met three people that were so full of themselves. It’s disgusting.”
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