New information has come to light regarding the unexpected passing of Sam Rivers, co-founder and bassist of Limp Bizkit, over the weekend.
Rivers died on Saturday, October 18, at his residence in Florida, at the age of 48.
Authorities reported him as “unresponsive in cardiac arrest,” according to a spokesperson from St. Johns County Fire and Rescue, as detailed by a report on Tuesday.
The exact cause of Rivers’ death is still unclear, although “death at home” typically refers to patients who pass under the care of their primary physician or licensed hospice.
The local sheriff’s department has been contacted for further comments regarding the situation.
Limp Bizkit announced Rivers’ passing with an emotional message on social media. They mentioned, “Today we lost a brother. We lost a bandmate. Our heartbeat,” expressing that Rivers was so much more than just a bass player. They described him as “pure magic” with an essential presence in every song.
The band further emphasized that from their earliest jam sessions, Rivers had a unique light and rhythm, something that feels almost impossible to replace. They remembered him as a “once-in-a-lifetime person” and a “true legend among legends.”
“His spirit will live on forever in every groove, on every stage and in every memory,” they stated, concluding with heartfelt sentiments of love and remembrance.
Rivers initially joined the group as the original bassist of Take a Look Around but took a temporary leave in 2015 due to health challenges. He later disclosed that his departure was linked to liver disease caused by excessive drinking.
After undergoing treatment and a liver transplant, he rejoined Limp Bizkit in 2018 and continued to be a vital part of the band until his untimely death. He had performed his last concert with them at the Leeds Festival in Britain just this past August.
