ave Hlubek, guitarist and founder of Jacksonville, Florida-based southern rock band Molly Hatchet, died from a heart attack on September 3rd, 2017 at the age of 66.

Molly Hatchet issued the following statement through their official Facebook page: “It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved friend and band member Dave Hlubek. Dave was one of the founding lead guitarists of Molly Hatchet. Amongst his many contributions to southern rock is ‘Flirtin’ With Disaster’. Our condolences and our prayers go out to his family during this time of loss. He will be missed but never forgotten, as the music lives on through his legacy in Molly Hatchet.”

David Lawrence Hlubek was born on August 28th, 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida. He founded Molly Hatchet in 1971, although it would be another three years before a full line-up would merge. Hlubek appeared on nine Molly Hatchet studio albums in total, including platinum records Molly Hatchet (1978), Flirtin’ With Disaster (1979) and Beatin’ The Odds (1980). The guitarist’s original tenure lasted from 1971 until 1986, when he chose to leave the group due to a cocaine addiction. Dave Hlubek rejoined Molly Hatchet in January 2005, and although health issues in later years had restricted his live performances the guitarist remained an active member of the band until his death.