Former Manowar drummer Scott Columbus has died at the age of 54.
The rocker passed away on Monday (04Apr11). No further details about his death were available as WENN went to press.
His former bandmate, guitarist Ross 'The Boss' Friedman, confirmed the sad news in a post on his Facebook.com page, writing, "Scott Columbas (sic) R.I.P. My brother. I'm gonna miss you."
In a statement, the band paid tribute to Columbus: "With great sorrow we announce the passing of our brother Scott. A rare talent, equally a rare individual, a father, friend and a brother of metal. All the great moments we spent together are burnished in our hearts and memories forever. We know he is in a good place and at peace. He will never be forgotten."
And Columbus' girlfriend, identified only as Nancy, wrote online, "I cannot get the words out. Please send your thoughts and prayers - I can't believe he is gone. He was the absolute love of my life."
Columbus rose to fame with the rock band in the 1980s, playing with them from 1983 until 1990 when he left the group. He returned to work on their 1996 album Louder Than Hell before exiting again in 2008.