COLUMBUS, Miss. — Bassist Donald “Ean” Evans of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd died of cancer Wednesday at his home in Mississippi. He was 48.
A statement posted on the band’s website said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans. Ean put up a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer, and he will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans.”
Evans joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2001 and had been touring regularly with the band until being diagnosed with cancer in 2008, when he cut back on performances with the band.
Survivors include his wife, Eva, and two daughters.
The Jacksonville, Fla.-based band became one of the South’s most popular rock groups and gained national fame with such hits as “Free Bird” and especially “Sweet Home Alabama.”
