Theft From SLIPKNOT Bassist's Grave

The surviving members of SLIPKNOT — whose bassist, Paul Gray, passed away in May — have posted the following message on their MySpace page:

"In a very upsetting turn of events we have learned that some gifts left for Paul at his gravesite have been stolen. There were statues of a gargoyle as well as a Buddah that were placed at Paul's grave by his friends and family that were taken. We ask that whoever did this please return the items no questions asked. If anyone has any information about the stolen items please let us know by posting in the comments. Thank you for your continued support in this trying time."

Gray's body was found on May 24 in a hotel room in a Des Moines, Iowa suburb. A coroner ruled that the 38-year-old musician died of an accidental overdose of morphine.

SLIPKNOT dedicated its new two-disc DVD, "(sic)nesses", to Gray, writing in the DVD's liner notes, "Paul Dedrick Gray, No. 2, was one of the founding members of our band. SLIPKNOT was everything Paul ever wanted and needed. He lived and breathed SLIPKNOT to its fullest potential every day. He also loved each and every fan of the band. The maggots were everything to him ... Paul was the type of person who would help keep you in check. He would do everything he could to keep the band's closeness in tact. He'd even give you the shirt off his back, with no questions asked."

The message went on to praise Gray not only as "a musical genius," but also as "a great son, brother, [and] husband," and promises that, though he may be gone, SLIPKNOT will never truly forget his contributions to the band, which extended far beyond the music.

"The times we shared with him over the last 15 years are irreplaceable and unforgettable," the message read. "We wake up every day and still it's hard to comprehend that one of our brothers has fallen. Life is not the same and never will be the same, nor will the band. Not a day will go by where we won't say his name.

"This is in remembrance of one of the greatest musicians, songwriters, and friends that we eight have ever had the pleasure to know.

"Paul, we know you're out there and we know you will be with us forever. We love you, we miss you and there are no other words to explain this void ... Thank you for everything you were, and everything you gave us in this life. Until we meet again, brother."