Type O Negative front man and bassist Peter Steele passed away April 16 at age 48. The cause of death is unknown, but it is believed Steele passed due to what appeared to be heart failure.

A statement written by band members Josh Silver, Kenney Hicky and Josh Kelley has been posted on the band’s official site, www.typeonegative.net, and reads as follows:

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that Type O Negative front man, bassist, and our band mate, Peter Steele passed away last night of what appears to be heart failure.

Ironically, Peter had been enjoying a long period of sobriety and improved health and was due to imminently begin writing and recording new music for our follow up to “Dead Again” released in 2007.

The official cause of death has yet to be determined pending autopsy results. The funeral services will be private and memorial services will be announced at a future date. We’d like to share our thoughts and those of Peter’s family below.
We are truly saddened to lose our friend and appreciate the tremendous outpouring today from around the world.

Sincerely,
Josh, Kenny and Johnny”

Steele had been working on music for the follow up to the “Dead Again” album at the time of his death. More information will be posted following autopsy results as it becomes available.