ATLANTA, GA — William Brent Hinds, 51, former lead guitarist of heavy metal band Mastodon, died in a motorcycle accident on August 20 in Atlanta.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. when Hinds was traveling on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A BMW SUV reportedly failed to yield while turning at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard, colliding with Hinds’ motorcycle.
Emergency responders found Hinds unresponsive at the scene. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel shortly after their arrival. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Hinds’ death. There were no reports of other injuries. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Mastodon paid tribute to Hinds via Instagram, reflecting on his contributions to the band over more than two decades. Hinds had most recently released the album Hushed and Grim in 2021.
Born in Atlanta in 1974, Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 along with Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor. Although he departed from the band in March 2023, he remained a significant figure in their musical history.
Further details regarding the incident or any potential charges against the SUV driver have not yet been released.