Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Last Founding Member, Has Died at 71
By Joseph AllenMar. 6 2023, Published 9:47 a.m. ET
Rickey Medlocke (left) and Gary Rossington (proper) of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2019
Lynyrd Skynyrd fanatics are in mourning following the news that Gary Rossington, the band's ultimate residing founding member, has died on the age of 71.
The news of Gary's death was posted on the band's Facebook page, leading to an outpouring of condolences as well as plenty of curious lovers who wondered what Gary's actual cause of death was. Here's what we know.
What was Gary Rossington's cause of death?
In their Facebook publish, the band offered few details on how Gary died.
"It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today," the put up learn. "Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty like he always does."
(l-r) Mark Matejka, Rickey Medlocke, Gary Rossington, and Keith Christopher of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2018
The post did not come with any connection with a cause of death, in order that's nonetheless unknown presently. Gary has had center issues prior to now, regardless that, and had heart surgical procedure in 2021, in step with some other publish at the band's Facebook web page on the time.
Gary was one of the three authentic members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which was first formed in 1964 when he was nonetheless a tender youngster.
Gary was instrumental to a host of the band's largest songs.
Gary's distinctive slide guitar was key to the good fortune of "Free Bird," and he co-wrote "Sweet Home Alabama," which means he was a key part in each of the band's most enduring hits.
He was also one of the survivors of a 1977 aircraft crash that killed a number of of his bandmates and left him and the remainder of the band significantly wounded. That crash was the top of the primary era of Lynyrd Skynyrd, despite the fact that more than a few versions of the crowd have endured to excursion until slightly recently.
News of Gary's death led to a lot of remembrances for him on-line, including from longtime enthusiasts.
"Gary Rossington has left. One of the greatest and pioneer of a style and sound that is timeless and forever cherished. RIP Gary, play it pretty," actor Titus Welliver wrote in a post on Twitter.
"RIP Gary Rossington," someone else merely added.
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