Eddie Van Halen, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of the popular rock band Van Halen, has died at 65 years old following a long battle with throat cancer.
According to TMZ, Sources close to the rock icon said he died at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica on Tuesday (Oct. 6). His wife, Janie along with his son Wolfgang and Van Halen’s brother and drummer Alex were by his side.
Sources say that in the last 72 hours, Eddie’s ongoing battle with throat cancer went downhill and Doctors discovered that his throat cancer has moved to his brain and other organs in his final days. He has been battling cancer for over a decade. He has been in and out of the hospital throughout the last year including in November 2019 for intestinal issues and more recently when undergoing a round of chemo.
Eddie still continued to live his life to the fullest following his diagnosis, still attending concert and rehearsing music with his song, Wolfgang, who joined Van Halen as their bassist in 2016.
Wolfgang paid tribute to his father in a emotional Instagram post saying “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 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.”
Van Halen was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and Eddie is widely considered one the greatest guitar players in rock history.
Sending out prayers and our condolences to the Van Halen family during this difficult time.
