Avenged Sevenfold drummer James Owen Sullivan was found dead in his Huntington Beach home earlier today on December 28 at roughly 1 p.m., according to the Orange County Register and Blabbermouth.
Sullivan, better known by his stage name "The Rev," was 28 years old. The Orange County Coroner's Office is investigating his death but for the time being they're calling it natural causes. However, the drummer had a reported history of hard drug use.
Avenged Sevenfold formed in Huntington Beach in 1999, with Sullivan on board from the beginning. The quintet has released four albums and won Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2006. The group's self-titled fourth album hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2007. According to a message posted by Zacky Vengeance on the band's MySpace page, the group was well underway on a fifth album.
The band released the following statement on their official site:
JIMMY "THE REV" SULLIVAN
Tue, 12/29/2009 - 05:22
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Jimmy you are forever in our hearts.
We love you.
M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Chris
James “The Rev” Sullivan

The drummer of metalcore rock band Avenged Sevenfold, James Owen Sullivan, has been found dead at his California home located in the United States. Sullivan, better known as "The Rev," was found dead on Monday at his home in Huntington Beach at around 1:00 p.m. (PST). It is believed that the 28-year-old died of natural causes. 

Sullivan was one of the founding members of Avenged Sevenfold when the group debuted in 1999. The group achieved notable success when they won the MTV Best New Artist award in 2006. The group was reportedly working on a fifth album at the time of Sullivan’s death. 

Avenged Sevenfold released a statement via their website saying "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time." 

They added, "Jimmy you are forever in our hearts. We love you."

An investigation into the cause of Sullivan's death is ongoing.