India, Aug. 22 -- Brent Hinds, co-founder and longtime guitarist of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 51. Hinds had been a key member of the group for 25 years before his departure earlier this year. WANF reported his death, citing the Fulton County medical examiner's office.

In March 2025, Mastodon and Hinds announced that they were parting ways. In their announcement on social media, the band wrote, "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 endeavours."

According to the Associated Press, no reason was given for their departure. However, comments made by Hinds on Instagram suggested ...