George Christie, the guitarist of London metal band Shields, has died.

The news was confirmed by the band on Facebook, explaining how Christie tragically took his own life. “He was the most empathetic, kind and generous person I’ve ever met in my life and I was lucky to call him one of my best friends, fellow band member and room mate,” lead singer Sam Kubrick said tribute.

Here’s the full statement from the band:

There is no easy way to say this.

On the 31st of January our guitarist George Christie took his own life. He was the most empathetic, kind and generous person we ever met in our lives and we were lucky to call him our best friend and fellow band member.

We don’t want to disclose any more information about his passing out of respect for his family, please don’t ask. Those who need to know, know.