Devastating news for the Pure Rock family as the drummer and founding member of legendary heavy metal act PANTERA, Vinnie Paul, has died at the age of 54 yesterday. The following message was posted to the PANTERA Facebook page last night:
"Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away.
Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands PANTERA and HELLYEAH.
No further details are available at this time.
The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time."
Earlier today website TMZ reported that the Abbott family stated that "he died in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas. His body's been turned over to the medical examiner to determine a cause of death, and after that he'll be flown back to his home state of Texas to be buried between his mom and brother."
Vinnie's brother and former band mate "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was shot and killed onstage in December of 2004 during a concert by the band DAMAGEPLAN, of which Vinnie was also a member.
Vinnie Paul was known to be a friend to all who encountered him, including those in the KNAC family.
KNAC.COM sends it sincere condolences to the Abbott family.
RIP Vinnie
