Died On This Date (May 24, 2010) Paul Gray / Bassist For Slipknot

Paul Gray
April 8, 1972 – May 24, 2010

Paul Gray is best remembered as the founding bassist for popular alterna-metal band, Slipknot.  Formed in Iowa in the mid ’90s, the band released their self-titled debut in 1999.  Over the course of the coming year, they began to build an extremely loyal following thanks to appearances at OzzFest and other such high-profile gigs.  Slipknot eventually went platinum.  Their fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, debuted at number 1 when it was released in August of 2008.  During the band’s first ten years, they sold in excess of 14 million albums.  It has been reported that in the months leading up to his death, Gray was working on a project with David Ellefson, Tim “Ripper” Owens, and Andreas Kisser.  Many online sources are reporting that Paul Gray, 38, was found dead of a morphine overdose in a Des Moines, Iowa hotel on May 24, 2010.

UPDATE: On September 5, 2012, it was reported in the Des Moines Register that Paul Gray’s doctor at the time, Daniel Baldi, had been arrested and faces manslaughter charges for the deaths of Gray and seven of his other patients.  According to officials, Dr. Baldi allegedly prescribed high amounts of pain medication to each patient which is believed to have led to their deaths.

Thanks to Dan Gibson for the assist.

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Died On This Date (April 19, 2005) Bryan Ottoson / American Head Charge

Bryan Ottoson
1978  – April 19, 2005

bryan-ottosonMember of the 27 Club

Bryan Ottoson was a  guitarist for Minneapolis hard rock band, American Head Charge.  Their music is generally categorized as “industrial metal.”  By 2000, the band had moved to Los Angeles and signed to Rick Rubin’s American Recordings.  Rubin produced their debut.   The next few years found the band’s fan base quickly growing, sharing tours with the likes of Slipknot, Ministry, and Mudvayne.   On April 19, 2005, Ottoson’s lifeless body was found in his tour bus bunk prior to a show in South Carolina.  Officials determined that he had overdosed on prescription medicine.  It appears to have been accidental.

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The War of Art - American Head Charge