The Allman Brothers Band Drummer Commits Suicide In Front Of Wife

The Allman Brothers Band founding member and drummer Claude "Butch" Trucks died on Jan. 23, 2017 after taking his own life at home in Florida. He was 69.

The Daily Mail reported that police responded to a frantic phone call from Trucks' wife, Melinda, who was described as "hysterical," telling dispatchers that he shot himself in the head in front of her with a pistol. He was reportedly still breathing briefly when help arrived but died seconds later. Though motives for the suicide are unclear, Trucks has suffered some financial problems in the last few years. In 2011, he sold his Palm Beach, Fla. home for $2 million—half its estimated value—in order to pay off a $800,000 mortgage that was at a high risk of foreclosure. In 2014, he purchased the $500,000 condo where he took his own life. Additionally, he had two IRS liens against his condo, forcing Trucks to pay more than $540,000 in taxes in 2013 and 2014, according to the Daily Mail.

Authorities told Fox News, "Foul play is not suspected, and the case is still under investigation."

"The Trucks and Allman Brothers Band families request all of Butch's friends and fans to please respect our privacy at this time of sadness for our loss," Trucks' rep told Rolling Stone in a statement. "Butch will play on in our hearts forever."

In his own statement, band member Gregg Allman said (via Rolling Stone), "I'm heartbroken. I've lost another brother and it hurts beyond words. Butch and I knew each other since we were teenagers and we were bandmates for over 45 years. He was a great man and a great drummer and I'm going to miss him forever. Rest In Peace Brother Butch."

Guitarist Warren Haynes also released a statement (via Rolling Stone): "Today we lost a Brother and the music world lost a great, innovative drummer and part of rock history. I am truly honored to have played music and shared life with Butch for over 25 years. It is a sad day indeed."