An autopsy on Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who was found dead in his Southern California home earlier this week, has come back inconclusive. Though police reports indicate the musician died of natural causes, toxicology and lab tests have been ordered to determine a definite cause of death.
Although there is no indication that drugs were involved in the drummer's death, a 2006 article in Revolver magazine has spawned rumors that the drummer used heavy drugs, including cocaine.
Meanwhile, tributes are pouring in from Sullivan's bandmates, fellow musicians and friends, including Puddle of Mudd, My Chemical Romance, Good Charlotte and Shinedown. "Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother," Avenged Sevenfold wrote on their website. "Jimmy you are forever in our hearts."
The band's manager, Larry Jacobson, told My Fox L.A., "He was somebody who just had a warmth and an easy smile and a laugh, and he was as smart as they come."
American Idol's Chris Daughtry and David Cook took to Twitter to express their sentiments. "People are dying far too young these days . . . very sad news about 'The Rev,'" Daughtry tweeted.
"Thoughts to friends and family of The Rev, drummer for Avenged Sevenfold. Dead at 28. Sad news," Cook wrote.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.