J. Shearer/WireImageThe rockers of Weezer are in the midst of a tragedy.
The group's 40-year-old former bass player, Mikey Welsh, was found dead in a Chicago hotel room Saturday afternoon, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Welsh, who was in town for Weezer's performance at Riot Fest today, was found unresponsive and on the floor by hotel staff members at the Raffaello Hotel after the musician failed to check out of his room.
Following news of his passing, the current members of Weezer shared their condolences via their website.
"Dear friends and fans, It saddens me and the guys in Weezer so much to say that our beautiful, creative, hilarious and sweet friend Mikey Welsh has passed away at the very young age of 40," Karl Koch wrote. "A unique talent, a deeply loving friend and father, and a great artist is gone, but we will never forget ."
"Mikey was never one to shy away from the absurd, dangerous or strange, and he did so with a gusto few others had. No one had quite the stage presence of Mikey, nor have there been many who pulled the types of shenanigans he did at shows. If it rocked, he had to try it—and he always found a way to pull it off."
Current bassist, Scott Shriner, headed to Twitter to share his thoughts on Welsh's passing as well.
"Really bummed about Mikey," Shriner tweeted. "My heart goes out to his family and friends. Such a talent... he made a special mark on the world with his art."
While autopsy results are still pending, authorities said a drug overdose is suspected as Welsh's cause of death.
Welsh played with the band from 1998 to 2001, leaving Weezer to pursue a second career as a painter after he suffered a nervous breakdown, according to the band's website.