Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers was found dead in a pool of blood at his Florida home, according to a 911 call released after his death earlier this month.
The 48-year-old musician was reportedly discovered lying facedown in a bathroom, and responders instructed the caller to perform CPR before police arrived, according to audio obtained by TMZ. The cause of death has not yet been announced.
Rivers, a founding member of the rap-metal band, was described by his bandmates as “a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human” in a heartfelt tribute posted to Instagram.
“Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat,” Limp Bizkit wrote. “Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was our magic. The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound.
“From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence was unforgettable, his heart enormous.
“He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. A true legend of legends. And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory. We love you, Sam. We'll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.”
Rivers co-founded Limp Bizkit alongside frontman Fred Durst, drummer John Otto, DJ Lethal and guitarist Wes Borland.
DJ Lethal paid his own tribute, saying: “We love you Sam Rivers. Please respect the family’s privacy at this moment. Give Sam his flowers and play Sam Rivers basslines all day! We are in shock.”
He added: “Rest in power my brother! You will live on through your music and the lives you helped save with your music, charity work and friendships. We are heartbroken. Enjoy every millisecond of life. It’s not guaranteed.”
