Former Mastodon guitarist William Brent Hinds has died at 51 after being involved in a fatal motorcycle crash in Atlanta. According to police, the driver of a BMW SUV failed to yield at an intersection, causing the collision. The Fulton County medical examiner’s office confirmed his death.
Hinds was the co-founder and lead guitarist of Mastodon, a heavy metal band from Atlanta formed in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. The band has released eight albums and earned one Grammy award for their song “Sultan’s Curse” from the 2017 album “Emperor of Sand”.
The band announced Hinds’ departure earlier this month, citing a change in circumstances that led to his exit. However, Hinds had stated just recently that he was actually let go from the group. The band is now mourning the loss of their “creative force” and has asked fans to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Source: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/08/21/former-guitarist-co-founder-heavy-metal-band-mastodon-dies-atlanta-motorcycle-crash