DROWNING POOL Singer Found Dead

DROWNING POOL singer Dave Williams was found dead on the band's tour bus Wednesday afternoon (August 14th),according to a spokesperson for the group. He was 30 years old.

The Dallas quartet was on tour with Ozzfest when Williams' body was discovered. Ozzfest had played the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, on Tuesday.

Although presently unconfirmed, sources close to the band believe that Williams may have died from complications resulting after the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol.

Williams was renowned for being a heavy sleeper, and it is believed that he died in his sleep, possibly choking on his own vomit.

An official cause of death has yet to be determined.

"[Williams] was the sweetest man you'll ever come across in your life," DISTURBED singer David Draiman told MTV Wednesday. "[He] didn't have a bad bone in his body, just very kind-hearted, very good-natured, very genuine, always trying to make everyone around him smile. [He was] always trying to bring some life to the party with his own little dramatic flair.

"Everyone loved him," Draiman continued. "I don't know a single person that has ever met Dave Williams and not just instantly fallen in love with him. He could charm anyone to death. He was a very special guy. It's shocking."

Meanwhile, ANTHRAX posted the following message via their official web site: "Dave was a sweetheart. Dave was really funny. Dave loved metal. Dave was one hell of a nice guy. That's rare. We'll miss ya Dave. Our hearts go out to Dave's family and friends."

MACHINE HEAD issued the following statement: "MACHINE HEAD would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Dave Williams. Dave was a friend to us all, one of those guys that you couldn't help but like... he was as nice as they come, and had nothing but respect for anyone and everyone that he met. He will be sorely missed."

SKID ROW posted the following: "Our condolences go out to the family, friends and crew of Dave Williams, lead singer of DROWNING POOL. He was a great guy and an amazing talent, he will be missed by all that knew him."

CHIMAIRA frontman Mark Hunter commented on Williams' passing: "Dave's lyrics for 'Tear Away' couldn't have been farther from the truth. The little time we got to spend with Dave was very memorable. It is not often a band of that size has the time, or the inclination to mingle with smaller bands like us, but Dave went out of his way to make sure we were not only taken care of, but he spent his down time hanging out with us. Dave was one of the coolest and friendliest bright stars we have ever encountered. He will be missed and never forgotten. Our hearts go out to Dave's family and the rest of the DROWNING POOL camp."

SOIL bassist Tim King posted the following: "We just got the news that our friend Dave from the band DROWNING POOL died today. We are in total shock. I just can't believe it. Just a few days ago Dave was up on stage singing 'Halo' with us and we were hanging out together after the Ozzfest shows. Ryan even sang 'Bodies' with DP last night. Tears are filling up in my eyes as I write this. Dave was one of the coolest and most down to earth guys you could ever meet. He was a true friend. We love ya bro!! You will always be in our thoughts and hearts."