Leslie West founding member of MOUNTAIN has died at age 75

Leslie West, the legendary guitarist, vocalist and original founding member of MOUNTAIN, has died at the age of 75. His passing was confirmed in a statement from Dean Guitars, with whom West has had an endorsement deal for a number of years.

"With a heavy heart, we are saddened hear about the passing of #Dean Artist and part of the Dean family, Leslie West," the statement read. "Legendary and one of a kind. Rest In Peace."

Dean Guitars CEO Evan Rubinson added in a separate tweet: "To a man that I truly loved more than most — the funniest, most honest guy I’ve met. #RIP #LeslieWest"

The news of the 75-year-old rocker's deteriorating health was first broken by his brother, Larry West Weinstein, who took to his Facebook page on Monday (December 21) to say that Lesliewas gravely ill and near death after his heart stopped, and that he was put on a ventilator.

"I am asking for all your prayers," Weinstein wrote in a since-deleted post. "[Leslie's wife] Jenni is by his side in Florida but it's not looking good. Thanks Jenni, he wouldn't have made it this far without you."

Weinstein went on to say: "His heart gave out and he's on a ventilator. May not make it through the night."