Jimmy Owen Sullivan, the drummer of Avenged Sevenfold, died Monday in his southern California home according to reports from Reuters citing authorities.

Sullivan who was nicknamed The Rev died of natural causes according to the report.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan, the band said on its Web site. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother.

The rising heavy metal band, which Sullivan co-founded in 1999, hit No. 4 on the U.S. pop album chart in 2007 with its latest, self-titled album