Fate has struck another cruel blow to Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Ean Evans, who took over on bass in 2001 following the death of founding member Leon Wilkeson, has himself died following a short battle with cancer.
After joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers' lineup, the Mississippi resident toured extensively with Skynyrd through last year, when he was diagnosed with the disease, prompting frontman Johnny Van Zant to ask fans to keep Evans in their prayers.
Evans' death follows the January passing of keyboardist Billy Powell of an apparent heart attack.
Skynyrd, of course, is no stranger to tragedy, having lost three key members in a horrific plane crash, including lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant. But the band has soldiered on and is expected to do so again for this summer's tour with Kid Rock.