William Brent Hinds, the former guitarist and co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta at the age of 51. The accident occurred on Wednesday night, August 20, at approximately 11:35 p.m. at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard SE.

According to reports from the Atlanta Police Department, Hinds was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle when a BMW SUV, attempting to make a left turn, failed to yield and collided with him. Hinds was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the BMW remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's office has confirmed Hinds' death.

Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 in Atlanta, alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. He was initially the lead guitarist and later also became a vocalist for the band. Mastodon quickly gained recognition for their unique sound, blending heavy metal with elements of progressive rock, alternative, and grunge. The band's debut album, "Remission," was released in 2002, and their subsequent album, "Leviathan," propelled them into the mainstream metal scene. In 2018, Mastodon won their first Grammy Award for "Sultan's Curse" in the Best Metal Performance category.

In March of this year, Mastodon announced that Hinds had left the band. While the initial announcement stated that it was a mutual decision, Hinds later claimed on social media that he was "kicked out" of the band for "embarrassing them for being who I am" and referred to his former bandmates as "horrible humans". He also accused them of using Auto-Tune in the studio and expressed his negative feelings towards them.

Mastodon posted a tribute to Hinds on Instagram, expressing their profound sadness and grief. "We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident," the band wrote. "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. 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".

Born in Helena, Alabama, Hinds moved to Atlanta to pursue his music career. Before Mastodon, he played the banjo and later switched to guitar. He described himself as a rebellious and creative individual in his younger years. Mastodon's performances included playing at the Coachella festival in 2009 and touring with Metallica. Hinds also made a cameo appearance as an extra in an episode of HBO's "Game of Thrones" in 2015.

News of Hinds's death has deeply saddened fans and fellow musicians, with many expressing their shock and heartbreak on social media.