Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman died from alcohol-related cirrhosis, according to a statement released by the band on Thursday.

Slayer said that Hanneman and his friends were unaware of the true state of his liver until the last few days of his life. The band dismissed media reports that suggested Jeff was on a list for a liver transplant at the time of his death, or at any time prior to his death. In fact, Slayer said that it seemed that Hanneman’s health was getting better and that he was excited about working with the band on a new record.

According to the New York Daily News, Hanneman almost lost his arm in 2011 due to a flesh-eating disease that doctors thought he had gotten from an untreated spider bite. The Daily News reports that Jeff had taken a break from Slayer while he recovered from necrotizing fasciitis.

Hanneman’s bandmates Kerry King and Tom Araya shared some of their favorite memories of the late Slayer guitarist in a statement.

King said that he and Jeff, who was a huge World War II buff because his father had served in the war, watched countless war movies. In fact, they “Full Metal Jacket” so many times that they could both recite the film’s dialogue by heart.

Araya said that he and Jeff once decided to walk to a studio in New York City, but soon found themselves soaked to the bone because it was raining so hard. They tried to get a cab, but no one stopped because of their long hair and leather jackets. Eventually, the pair had to walk the entire way to the studio through the pouring rain.

Slayer said that it is planning a celebration of Jeff’s life that will take place sometime later in May. The public will be invited to attend the celebration and share memories with Hanneman’s family and friends. Expect more information to be posted to Slayer’s website soon.

Were you a fan of Hanneman’s guitar playing? How did you react to Jeff’s death? Share your thoughts in the comments section.