Was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2000, even though he smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day forever, he blamed it on the guitar picks that he'd sometimes put in his mouth. The cancer moved down to this throat and I believe that is what eventually killed him. RIP. Maybe one of the greatest guitar players ever, but as a person? Hmmmm. Not sure. Doesn't get along with any of his ex-band mates besides his brother.