eddie van halen 2015
[Photo by: Laurence Faure/Wikimedia Commons]

Legendary Van Halen co-founder and guitarist Eddie Van Halen dies at 65

Legendary Van Halen guitarist and co-founder Eddie Van Halen has passed away at the 65 after a long battle with throat cancer.

According to reports, he died at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica on Tuesday, Oct 6.

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Eddie reportedly saw a massive decline in his health over the past 72 hours. Eddie had been battling cancer for well over a decade. However, doctors recently discovered that the cancer had spread to his brain and other organs.

TMZ reports that his wife Janie was by his side at the time of his death. As well, his son Wolfgang and Eddie’s brother and Van Halen drummer Alex were also with him at the hospital on Tuesday.

Various sources say that Eddie had been in and out of the hospital over the past year. In November, he recently underwent a round of chemotherapy after suffering from intestinal issues.

Eddie’s son Wolfgang shared a touching tribute to his father confirming the news on Tuesday.

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“I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning,” he says. “He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”

Last year, it was reported that Eddie was flying back and forth from the U.S. and Germany to get radiation treatment. Although he was a heavy smoker for many years, Eddie believed his throat cancer was a result of a metal guitar pick he used to frequently hold in his mouth for more than 20 years.

Van Halen was formed by Eddie, his brother Alex, Mark Stone and singer David Lee Roth back in the 1970s. Throughout their career, they released 12 studio albums and hits such as “Runnin’ With The Devil,” “Panama” and “Why Can’t This Be Love.” To this day, Van Halen remains one of the most influential hard rock bands in history.

Our thoughts are with Eddie Van Halen’s family during this time.