Original Molly Hatchet drummer Bruce Crump died yesterday (March 16) at the age of 57. No further information about the cause of his death has been released, but the band announced the news of his passing on their Facebook page.

“We are mourning the loss of a great friend and talented musician!! The Lord called home our brother and bandmate, Bruce Crump,” the band wrote in a post. “This is a great loss to the Molly Hatchet family. Our prayers go out to all the family and friends of great friend Bruce!! Rest in peace Bruce!! We will always love and remember you!!”

Original vocalist Danny Joe Brown died a decade ago on March 10, 2005; and founding guitarist Duane Roland passed away a year later. Molly Hatchet is still an active group, being led by original guitarist Dave Hlubek.

Crump drummed for Southern rockers Molly Hatchet from 1976 to 1983. He played on their most successful album, Flirtin’ with Disaster, which featured their smash single of the same name. After leaving the band he played in several other groups and also started teaching drum lessons. At the time of his death he was in two groups, White Rhino and China Sky. Members of both of those bands have commented on Crump’s passing on their respective Facebook pages.

China Sky wrote on their Facebook page, “This sudden tragedy is like a kick to the gut. We could not have lost a more truly decent human being than Bruce. Our hearts go out to his wife Kristen, his mom, children, and family. Not only was Bruce a genuinely nice person, but his talent was even bigger than his heart.”

We'd like to send out condolences to Bruce Crump's family, friends and bandmates during this difficult time.

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Watch Molly Hatchet Perform 'Flirting With Disaster' in 1979

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