X Japan bassist Hiroshi Morie, better known by his stage name of Heath, died on Oct. 29 after a battle with colorectal cancer, the band said in a statement released on Friday.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of X Japan’s esteemed bass player Heath after his battle with colorectal cancer,” the statement read. “Despite his efforts to battle the disease, his condition declined suddenly in October, and he took his last breath in the hospital. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished Heath throughout his lifetime.”
“We, the members of X Japan have personally bid farewell to Heath, but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss,” the message concluded.