Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Last Surviving Original Member, Dies at 71

Gary Rossington has sadly passed away.

The guitarist, who was the last surviving original member of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died at the age of 71, the band confirmed on social media on Sunday (March 5).

“It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today,” the statement reads.

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“Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does. Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”

There was no official cause of death disclosed, however he has dealt with heart problems over the years, including a heart surgery in 2021, via People.

The group was first formed in 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida, where the bandmates met while competing on different baseball teams. The group is known for iconic hits like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”

Our thoughts are with Gary Rossington‘s loved ones at this difficult time.