Update: Static-X’s PR team has just confirmed that Static has indeed passed away.

Wayne Richard Wells (aka Wayne Static), the enigmatic frontman of Static-X, has passed away at age 48. While the cause of death has not yet been determined there are reports of drugs being involved. His death comes days before his 49th birthday.

Micah Electric of 9Electric posted the news less than an hour ago, stating that Static, “…was a good soul who chose the wrong path.”

Static-X rose to fame with the release of their debut album Wisconsin Death Trip in 2001, particularly with their most popular single “Push It”. The album went platinum two years later. The band went on to release a total of six studio albums, the last of which was 2009’s Cult Of Static. Static also released a solo album entitled Pighammer.

Static-X and fellow hard rock band Drowning Pool were set to embark on a UK tour in January.

We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family.