William Brent Hinds, the former guitarist and co-founder of the renowned heavy metal band Mastodon, tragically died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta on the night of August 20, 2025. Hinds was 51 years old at the time of his passing. According to the Atlanta Police Department, he was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on Boulevard SE near the intersection of Memorial Drive SE when a BMW SUV, driven by a woman, made a left turn without yielding and struck his motorcycle. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene around 11:35 p.m. but pronounced Hinds deceased at the location. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators as an active investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Brent Hinds, originally from Atlanta, was a foundational figure in the heavy metal scene through his work with Mastodon, a band he helped form in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. The group quickly rose to prominence for their ambitious, conceptually daring approach to metal music, drawing influences from thrash metal bands like Metallica and Slayer as well as progressive rock and jazz rhythms. Throughout their career, Mastodon earned critical acclaim and fan devotion, including multiple Grammy nominations and a win for Best Metal Performance in 2018. Hinds served as one of the lead vocalists and the lead guitarist, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound and artistic identity.

Despite his significant contributions to the band's success, Hinds and Mastodon parted ways in March 2025 under ambiguous circumstances. While the band initially announced a mutual decision to separate, Hinds later indicated he had been dismissed, expressing criticism of his former bandmates on social media. After leaving Mastodon, he continued to work in music with other projects such as Fiend Without a Face and West End Motel. His departure marked the end of an era for Mastodon fans, who mourned the loss not only of a talented musician but also of a creative force integral to the band’s achievements over the past two decades.

Following the tragic news of Hinds’ death, the remaining members of Mastodon issued heartfelt statements expressing their deep sorrow and shock. They described themselves as being in "a state of unfathomable sadness and grief," emphasizing the profound impact Hinds had on their lives and music. The band extended their condolences to Hinds’ family, friends, and fans worldwide, acknowledging the loss of an "artistic powerhouse" with whom they shared numerous milestones and musical triumphs. The heavy metal community and fans have also joined in mourning, reflecting on Hinds' legacy as a legendary guitarist and founding member of one of the most influential bands in contemporary metal.