Former Weezer Bassist Dies

Mikey Welsh, former bassist for the band Weezer died Saturday in Chicago at the age of 40.

Welsh joined the band in 1998 after the departure of original bassist Matt Sharp and stayed with them until 2001 after suffering a nervous breakdown and later attempting suicide. He subsequently retired from music to become an artist.

The band released a statement on its official Twitter feed saying, "We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the awful news, our friend and fellow Weezer rocker @mikeywelsh71 has passed away. We love you Mikey."

A cause of death has not been released.