Former Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has died aged 51 following a motorcycle collision in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.

The musician, who helped establish the heavy metal group in 2000, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Local news outlet WANF received confirmation of the death from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office.

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 11.35pm when Hinds was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Police reports indicate the collision happened at the junction of Memorial Drive and Boulevard. Officers discovered an unresponsive male motorcyclist upon their arrival at the scene.

The guitarist had recently left Mastodon after more than two decades with the band he co-founded alongside Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor.

According to the police investigation, the driver of a BMW SUV failed to give way whilst turning at the intersection, resulting in the fatal collision.

Authorities have confirmed the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.

The accident report identified Hinds as the victim following examination by the Fulton County medical examiner.

The collision marks a tragic end for the 51-year-old musician, who was born in 1974. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the metal music community, with numerous artists paying tribute on social media platforms.

Musicians including Zach Myers and Adam Jones have honoured Hinds’ memory, recognising him as one of metal’s most distinctive guitarists.

Hinds’ departure from Mastodon occurred earlier this year, ending a partnership that had spanned over two decades.

The group, which emerged as a pioneering force in heavy metal, was established in 2000 with Hinds serving as lead guitarist.

Throughout his tenure with the Atlanta-based band, Hinds became recognised as a standout performer in the metal genre.

His guitar work helped define Mastodon’s distinctive sound and contributed to their rise as one of metal’s most influential acts.

The musician’s creative contributions extended across numerous albums and performances that resonated with audiences worldwide.

His innovative approach to guitar playing established him as a singular talent within the heavy metal community.

Hinds’ legacy includes helping to shape modern metal music through his work with Mastodon, influencing countless musicians and fans throughout his career.

Hinds’ former Mastodon co-stars expressed their profound sorrow through a social media statement.

“We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many,” the band posted.

The tragic news has prompted widespread mourning across the music industry. Fellow musicians have shared tributes honouring the guitarist’s contributions to heavy metal.

The response from the global music community reflects Hinds’ significant impact on the genre.

Artists and fans alike have acknowledged his role in shaping contemporary metal music through his innovative guitar techniques and creative vision.