Jeff Hanneman, guitarist and founding member of metal legends Slayer has died at aged just 49 after suffering from liver failure.

He had been recovering after contracting necrotizing fasciitis from a spider bite in 2011 and nearly lost his arm after not getting prompt treatment for the disease.

The remaining members of Slayer have expressed their sadness at losing Hanneman and posted on their Facebook page: "Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure.

"He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed. Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 - 2013)"

He had recently started writing songs again ahead of plans for the band to record a new album later in the year.

Fellow rock stars have been posting through social network sites their condolences and shock at Hanneman’s death.

Dave Mustaine of Megadeath said: "Tonight one less star will be shining and sadly, the stage got just a little bit darker. Jeff Hanneman 1964-2013."

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