Former Mastodon Guitarist And Vocalist Brent Hinds Dies In Motorcycle Crash

Former Mastodon guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds died in a motorcycle crash Wednesday night in Atlanta. He was 51.

“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief,”  the heavy metal rockers wrote in a statement Thursday on Instagram. “Last night Brent 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.” (RELATED: Famous Singer Tamar Braxton Says She Woke Up In A ‘Pool Of Blood,’ Missing Teeth, But Has No Memory Of What Happened)

The Atlanta Police Department told NBC News the crash happened late Wednesday night. Hinds was riding a Harley Davidson westbound on Boulevard SE around 11:35 p.m. when he collided with a BMW SUV at Memorial Drive SE, the outlet reported.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: (L-R) Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Brent Hinds of Mastodon attend the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Police said the woman driving the BMW “failed to yield while turning left,” causing the crash. She stayed at the scene, but authorities did not say whether she will face charges.

Hinds cofounded Mastodon, a six-time Grammy-nominated band, and left the group in March. The band had been scheduled to perform Friday at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.

This has knocked the wind out of me. RIP to the great Brent Hinds. pic.twitter.com/BYLcxVgjE5

— William DuVall (@WilliamDuvall) August 21, 2025

“This has knocked the wind out of me. RIP to the great Brent Hinds,” Alice in Chains vocalist William DuVall wrote on X.

Mastodon ended its statement with a message to Hinds’ loved ones:

“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. RIP Brent,” the band wrote.