According to a post on ex-MANOWAR drummer Scott Columbus' official Facebook page by his girlfriend Nancy, he passed away on April 4th at the age of 54. The message reads as follows:

"For all you to know, this is Scott Columbus's girlfriend of over 3 1/3 years... and I cannot get the words out, but he died today. Please send your thoughts and prayers. I can't believe he is gone. He was the absolute love of my life."

Former Manowar guitarist Ross "The Boss" Friedman has issued the following message on his own Facebook page:

"Scott Columbus R.I.P my brother. I'm gonna miss you!"

Cause of death has yet to be revealed. Manowar have yet to issue a statement; watch their official website and Twitter page for updates.

Columbus was with Manowar from 1983 until 1990, but left the band when his son fell ill. He returned to the fold for the Louder Than Hell album in 1996 and remained with the band until the summer of 2008.