Alec John Such has died at the age of 70, bandmate Jon Bon Jovi has confirmed.
The rock musician was the original bassist for the hit group and Jon took to social media on Sunday to share the sad news.
In his emotional Twitter post he highlights how Alec was one of the founder members of Bon Jovi and praised the New York-born musician.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
Sharing a message on the social media platform alongside an image which read "Bon Jovi forever' and Alec's name, the singer wrote: "We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such. He was an original."
He continued: "As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band. To be honest, we found our way together thru [sic] him - He was a childhood friend of Tico and brought Richie to see us perform.
"Alec was always wild and full of life. Today these special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye," the post said."
He concluded his post by saying: "We will miss him dearly."
Jon then shared a video with one of their songs playing and titled it 'In Memoriam: Alec John Such."
Alec left the successful band in 1994 after he began to get burned out.
Variety reports a previous interview in which he said: "It felt like work, and I didn’t want to work.
"The reason I got into a band to begin with is because I didn’t want to work."
Despite officially leaving the group, he did make a number of guest appearances on stage with them following his departure, including a performance in 2018 in Cleveland to commemorate Bon Jovi's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Following the news of his death, fans also took to social media to share their messages of condolence.
One Twitter user wrote: "RIP Alec John Such one of the original members of Bon Jovi. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and those that knew him personally."
Another penned: "Oh my gosh. This is utterly heartbreaking. RIP Alec John Such. You freaking legend."
And a third said: "RIP Alec John Such, his removal from Bon Jovi was the beginning of the end for a band I loved in my youth."
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