Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s last surviving original member, has died at the age of 71.
He helped found the group, and no cause of death has been given. The band announced his passing on Facebook and asked for privacy for his family.
Rossington survived a car accident in 1976 and a plane crash in 1977 that killed several band members.
In recent years, he underwent multiple heart surgeries, and he left Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2021 to recover from another procedure.
Born in 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida, Rossington met future bandmates during a Little League game, and they formed Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The band released their debut album in 1973, which included the classic track Free Bird, known for Rossington’s slide playing.
Their biggest hit was Sweet Home Alabama, co-written by Rossington.
Despite the band’s drama and death, Rossington saw Lynyrd Skynyrd as a reflection of life rather than a tragedy.
He is survived by his family, including his wife Dale, and will be missed by fans of the band.
»Gary Rossington dies at the age of 71«
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