Brent Hinds, Mastodon co-founder and guitarist, dies at 51 in tragic motorcycle crash in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Brent Hinds, the former singer-guitarist of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta at the age of 51.

Police said the musician was riding his Harley-Davidson when it collided with a BMW SUV late Wednesday night.

Brent Hinds dies in late-night crash

Brent Hinds had left Mastodon earlier this year after more than two decades with the band.

The Atlanta Police Department said officers responded around 11:35 pm to the crash site.

A report stated that “the male appeared to be operating a Harley Davidson during the time of collision. Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased.”

Investigators noted the driver of the SUV failed to yield while making a left turn.

“Preliminary investigation indicates the male was traveling west on Boulevard. The female operating the BMW SUV failed to yield while turning left and collided into the male victim who was operating the Harley-Davidson. The investigation remains active at this time,” APD said, according to Daily Mail.

Officials added that the SUV driver, a woman, remained on the scene as the Accident Investigations Unit reviewed the crash.

Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor.

Mastodon mourns Brent Hinds' death in emotional tribute

The band earned six Grammy nominations and won best metal performance in 2017 for 'Sultan’s Curse' from Emperor of Sand.

The group released a statement following his death. “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” the band wrote on Instagram.

“We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we've shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many,” said Mastodon.

They added, “Our hearts are with Brent's family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone's privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent.”

Brent Hinds' career with Mastodon and side projects

Mastodon saw three albums break into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, with 'Emperor of Sand' in 2017 and 'Once More 'Round the Sun' in 2014 topping the Rock Album chart.

Their third record, 'Blood Mountain' in 2006, marked their first breakthrough, reaching No 32 on the Billboard 200.

Rolling Stone listed their 2011 album 'The Hunter' among the year’s best, writing that the band had “streamlined their molten thrash into a taut thwump that doesn’t pull back one bit on their natural complexity of innate weirdness.”

Hinds left Mastodon in March 2025, with the group announcing that they had “mutually decided to part ways.” However, posts from Hinds on Instagram hinted at tensions within the band.

The guitarist had plans to tour Europe later this year with 'Fiend Without a Face', a project he started during his Mastodon years.

Hinds married Raisa Moreno in 2017. Reports suggested the pair split in 2023.