Brent Hinds Killed in Motorcycle Crash at 51: Former Mastodon Guitarist’s Cause of Death Confirmed

The music world is mourning the tragic loss of Brent Hinds, the former lead guitarist and co-founder of metal band Mastodon, who died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta on August 20, 2025. The 51-year-old musician was riding his Harley-Davidson when a BMW SUV reportedly failed to yield at an intersection, leading to a fatal collision. Authorities from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Hinds as the motorcyclist involved.

What caused Brent Hinds’ fatal accident?

The fatal incident took place late Wednesday night at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard in southeast Atlanta. According to the initial police report, a male rider—later confirmed as Hinds—was struck by an SUV attempting to make a left turn without yielding. Hinds was thrown from the motorcycle and was declared deceased at the scene.

The Atlanta Police Department continues to investigate the crash. No details have been shared regarding potential charges against the SUV driver. Witnesses at the scene described the crash as sudden and violent, reigniting local discussions about intersection safety and motorcycle awareness in city traffic zones.

Brent Hinds’ musical legacy and final months

Born in Helena, Alabama, Brent Hinds moved to Atlanta in his early 20s to pursue a career in music. He met Troy Sanders and joined a local band before eventually forming Mastodon in 2000 with Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Bill Kelliher. The band quickly rose to fame in the heavy metal scene with albums like Leviathan, Blood Mountain, and Crack the Skye—all shaped by Hinds’ gritty vocals and complex guitar work.

Hinds was a key contributor to all of Mastodon’s eight studio albums, culminating in their 2021 release Hushed and Grim. He was widely recognized not just for his talent, but for his eclectic style, merging Southern blues with sludge metal and progressive rock influences.

In March 2025, Mastodon announced an official split with Hinds, wishing him success in future endeavors. However, Hinds took to social media to express disappointment, calling his former bandmates “horrible humans” in a now-deleted Instagram post. Despite the public fallout, he remained active in the music scene, recently completing a European tour with blues rocker Marcus King.

The impact of Brent Hinds’ death on the metal community

Brent Hinds’ sudden passing has left a deep void in the metal and rock music communities. He was not just a founding member of Mastodon, but a key creative force whose influence extended far beyond the band. His death underscores the vulnerability of motorcyclists and renews public concern about urban road safety.

Tributes have poured in across social media from fans and fellow musicians, reflecting on Hinds’ raw talent, stage presence, and irreplaceable contributions to the genre. Though his time with Mastodon ended on a sour note, Hinds’ legacy as a pioneering guitarist remains untarnished.

Brent Hinds cause of death has now been officially confirmed as injuries sustained in a motorcycle collision caused by another driver’s failure to yield. His influence, however, will continue to resonate through the riffs, lyrics, and memories he leaves behind.

For your information:

What caused Brent Hinds’ death?
Brent Hinds died due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta. A BMW SUV failed to yield at an intersection, resulting in a fatal collision.

How old was Brent Hinds at the time of his death?
Brent Hinds was 51 years old when he passed away on August 20, 2025.

Was Brent Hinds still part of Mastodon when he died?
No. Hinds parted ways with Mastodon in March 2025, just months before his death. He had since been active in other music projects.

Where did the motorcycle accident happen?
The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard in southeast Atlanta.

What bands did Brent Hinds play in besides Mastodon?
Besides Mastodon, Brent Hinds was involved in several projects including Fiend Without a Face, West End Motel, and Dirty B & the Boys.

Did Brent Hinds’ former bandmates respond to his passing?
As of now, the remaining members of Mastodon have not issued a formal statement following Hinds’ death.