William Brent Hinds, 51, passed away following a collision in Atlanta late on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025. According to police reports, Hinds was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle when a BMW SUV failed to yield while turning at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard. The impact proved fatal. The Fulton County medical examiner confirmed Hinds’ death shortly afterward.

Hinds was a founding member of Mastodon, a heavy metal band formed in 2000 alongside Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor. Over more than two decades, he contributed heavily, both as guitarist and co-vocalist, to Mastodon’s distinctive sound and success. The band released eight studio albums, including Emperor of Sand, which earned them a Grammy.

In March 2025, Mastodon officially announced that Hinds and the band had “mutually decided to part ways.” However, in August, Hinds publicly disputed that description, posting that he had been “kicked out.”

Following the news of his death, Mastodon released a statement expressing their “unfathomable sadness and grief,” calling Hinds a “creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many.”

At their next concert following the news, the band paid tribute to him. Drummer Brann Dailor addressed the crowd, calling Hinds one of the most creative and beloved members of Mastodon, and reminded fans of the music they made together, despite ups and downs over 25 years.

Brent was widely admired for his distinctive guitar style, which blended heavy metal, progressive, sludge, and elements of psychedelic music. He shared vocal duties in the band and was known for his energetic stage presence and creative songwriting. His work helped shape Mastodon into one of the most respected heavy metal bands in modern rock.