Members of heavy metal band Korn have paid tribute to their former tour guitarist Shane Gibson following his death this week (beg13Apr14).

Gibson passed away at an Alabama hospital on Tuesday (15Apr14) aged 35 after suffering complications relating to a blood clotting disorder.

The musician acted as the band's tour guitarist for three years from 2007 and also played in frontman Jonathan Davis' sideproject group The Sfas.

Members of Korn have now paid tribute in a statement which reads, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Shane Gibson's friends, fans and family following the passing of our dear friend. Shane Gibson was Korn's touring guitarist from 2007 to 2010 and a member of Jonathan Davis' solo band, The Sfas. He will be greatly missed."

The band's full-time guitarist, Brian 'Head' Welch, also offered his own tribute, praising Gibson for helping out following his departure in 2005.

He says, "I've never had the pleasure of meeting Shane, but I'm honoured he was able to fill my spot after I left Korn. He was an amazing guitarist. Hopefully we can jam together in the next life. Rip brother."

His bandmate James 'Munky' Shaffer adds, "Shane Gibson, you were an amazing guitar player and an amazing person. Your kindness and talent will be missed. I'm very fortunate to have known you."

In 2010, Gibson formed avant-garde metal group stOrk, which is due to release a second album this month (Apr14).