Wayne Swinny, one of Saliva’s founding members, died at the age of 59 after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our brother Wayne Swinny,” the rock band posted on Facebook Wednesday. “Wayne passed away this afternoon from a Spontaneous brain hemorrhage while we were out on tour…Wayne will be missed by all those who knew him.”
The band noted that “details for the funeral arrangements will be announced shortly,” before adding “We love you Wayne.”
The band’s official Instagram account later posted a black and white photo of Swinny on stage, captioned, “Love you brother.”
Since news of his passing, lead singer Bobby Amaru — who joined the band in 2012 — told TMZ that he will “cherish” their relationship for the rest of his life.
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“I’m not even sure what to think or how to feel right now. My heart aches for Wayne’s family, his friends, and anyone who had the joy of being around him. My heart aches for his daughter Nikki. He loved that little girl so much”
The rocker described Swinny as someone that “would go out of his way to make sure you had a good time.”
Amaru concluded the message saying, “he was the older brother I never had. I learned so much from him and we had a f—king blast together! I will cherish it all for the rest of my life!”
Just a few hours before his death, TMZ announced that Swinny had been hospitalized after he “was discovered Tuesday morning in medical distress.”
Wayne co-founded the group, known for their blend of rock and hip-hop, in 1996 alongside singer Josey Scott, guitarist Chris Dabaldo, bassist Dave Novotny and drummer Paul Crosby.
