How Did the Former Mastodon …

In March 2025, Brent Hinds left Mastodon, the metal band where he was lead guitarist and a vocalist.

The departure turned ugly when he left a message on the band’s Instagram page calling his former bandmates “horrible humans.”

Now Hinds’ life has taken an incredibly tragic turn. The former Mastodon guitarist is dead at the age of 51.

What was the cause of death? How did Brent Hinds die?

He died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta, GA, on Aug. 20.

In a statement, Atlanta police gave details of the accident, although they did not name Hinds. However, multiple news outlets have reported that the motorcyclist was Hinds. The New York Times reported that authorities had confirmed that information.

On Aug. 20, 2025, around 11:45 p.m., Atlanta police officers “responded to an accident at the intersection of Memorial Dr. SE & Boulevard SE. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male who was involved in the collision,” they wrote.

“The male appeared to be operating a Harley Davidson during the time of collision. Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased,” it says.

“The other driver involved, a female who occupied a BMW SUV remained on scene. The APD Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine the circumstances,” the release added.

“Preliminary investigation indicates the male was traveling West on Boulevard. The female operating the BMW SUV failed to yield while turning left and collided into the male victim who was operating the Harley Davidson. The investigation remains active at this time.”

The band has confirmed Hinds’ death in a tribute posted to its Instagram page.

“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” the post says.

“We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many,” the message reads.

“Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent,” it adds.

The post earned almost 100,000 likes in only three hours.

Hinds and Mastodon were inextricably intertwined because he co-founded the group in 2000.