The band announced Evans’ passing in a message posted on LynyrdSkynyrd.com.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans. Ean put up a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer and he will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans.”

Evans, who played with bands Cupid’s Arrow and The Outlaws before joining Lynyrd Skynyrd, was diagnosed with cancer in late 2008. A concert in his honor was held in April in Columbus, Miss., featuring members of Skynyrd as well as musicians from the band’s southern rock brethren 38 Special, Blackberry Smoke and Marshall Tucker Band.

Please click here for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Web site.