Several details surrounding ex-Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds’ fatal motorcycle accident have been revealed.
- READ MORE: Mastodon: “We don’t talk about our feelings with each other, we just put them in the lyrics”
The lead guitarist and co-vocalist, who left the Mastodon line-up earlier this year, died in a motorcycle accident last Wednesday (August 20), aged 51 years old. At the time, it was reported that Hinds, who was riding a motorcycle, was at an intersection when a BMW SUV crashed into him.
Now, in a police report filed by the Atlanta Police Department, new details have emerged of the horrific crash that took Hinds’ life. Per the report, Hinds was riding a Harley Davidson bike on the night of August 20, when he was hit by a car that had allegedly ran a red light to make a left turn and failed to yield. The driver of that car spoke to investigators and maintained that she “was positive the light was green”.
However, a witness told responding officers that the light appeared to be red and that while Hinds appeared to be riding at a high speed, the car did not have the right of way and failed to yield in time.
A second witness, who was “two cars back” from the incident called 911 – they described the impact so forceful that it sent Hinds airborne. A reporting offer detailed that Hinds “breathing and moving with visible injuries to his head, arms, and torso,” when help arrived at the scene, but the musician ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Additionally, Hinds’ obituary has confirmed that while funeral details have yet to be announced, a “celebration of life” is being planned to take place in Atlanta somewhere down the line. The memorial also adds: “In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alabama School of Fine Arts.”
Hinds and Mastodon parted ways in March after 25 years together. The band wrote at the time: “We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavours.”
Shortly after, Hinds made a handful of comments online suggesting that his departure was not as amicable as once thought. He described his former bandmates as “horrible humans”, and shared scathing remarks that implied he was “kicked out” of the band. Guitarish Bill Kelliher described the split as a marriage that had run its course: “Like a marriage, sometimes people grow apart, and they get interested in other things.”
Sharing the news of his death, the band wrote: “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. 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.”
Countless names would go on to pay tribute, including Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, Garbage‘s Shirley Manson and Tool. Mastodon later paid their respects on stage, telling the audience that they had “lost somebody very special to us”.
Skater, reality TV personality and ex-Jackass star Bam Margera has also revealed that he was working with Hinds on new music shortly before the guitarist’s tragic accident.
