Bob Burns, Former Drummer Of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dies In Car Crash Aged 64

The original drummer for the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has died in a car crash. Bob Burns was involved in the crash on Friday (3rd April) in Cartersville, Georgia. The news was confirmed by Cartersville police.

Rickey Medlocke and Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd performing in 2011.

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Burns reportedly left the road when approaching a turn and crashed into a number of objects. Reports suggest he was not wearing a seatbelt. He was the only passenger in the car and the only fatality in the incident. 

"After leaving the roadway, the driver struck a mailbox and a tree with the front of the vehicle," a police spokesperson said. 

Burns was born in 1950 in Florida. Along with Gary Rossington and Larry Junstrom, he set up Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964. He remained with the band for over a decade, despite a year long hiatus in 1969, and left the band in 1974.

Rossington, who has remained with the band, issued a statement in which he praised Burns for his drumming skills and described him as "a funny guy". 

"Well, today I'm at a loss for words, but I just remember Bob being a funny guy. He was just so funny, he used to do skits for us and make us laugh all the time, he was hilarious!" Rossington wrote on the band's Facebook page. 

"My heart goes out to his family and God bless him and them in this sad time. He was a great great drummer," Rossington added.

Cartersville Patch first reported the news.

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