Former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh has died. The 40 year old musician and visual artist was found dead on Saturday afternoon in a Chicago hotel room. A report in the Chicago Tribune has suggested that a drug overdose was the cause.

Welsh played bass for Weezer from 1998 until 2001, when he suffered a nervous breakdown and left the band. He appeared on the band's Green Album. Welsh also performed with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones related band The Kickovers for a short period before refocusing on his art.

Following the news of Welsh's death Weezer's website posted the following:

It saddens me and the guys in Weezer so much to say that our beautiful, creative, hilarious and sweet friend Mikey Welsh has passed away at the very young age of 40. A unique talent, a deeply loving friend and father, and a great artist is gone, but we will never forget him. His chapter in the weezer story ('98 - '01) was vital, essential, wild, and amazing.

Mikey was never one to shy away from the absurd, dangerous or strange, and he did so with a gusto few others had. No one had quite the stage presence of Mikey, nor have there been many who pulled the types of shenanigans he did at shows. If it rocked, he had to try it - and he always found a way to pull it off.

You can read more on Weezer.com. Our deepest condolences go out to Mikey's friends and family.