Founding Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has died. He was 46.

A statement from Jordison's family reveals that the musician died "peacefully in his sleep" on Monday, July 26.

"Joey's death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow," the statement reads. "To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music."

Jordison was one of the three original members of Slipknot, alongside percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan and bassist Paul Gray. He remained with the masked metallers until 2013, when he was dismissed from the group under circumstances never made publicly clear.

In 2016, while accepting Metal Hammer's Golden God Award, Jordison revealed that he was battling a rare neurological disease called transverse myelitis in the months leading up to his departure from Slipknot.

In addition to his time with the Knot, Jordison also played with artists including Korn, Rob Zombie and Metallica. Additionally, he formed bands including Murderdolls, Scar the Martyr, Vimic and Sinsaenum.

"The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time," the Jordison family statement reads, adding that he'll be honored at a private funeral service.

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