Rock star Eddie Van Halen died age 65 on Tuesday.
The co-founder of Eighties band Van Halen has been battling throat cancer for over a decade.
According to TMZ, he passed away at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica, California, with his wife Janie by his side.
The US site reported that Eddie’s heath had “suddenly declined” over the past “72 hours”.
His throat cancer had reportedly gone to his brain as well as other parts of his body, it was added.
The site added that he had been “in and out of the hospital over the past year”.
Eddie Van Halen’s touching final social media post shared was a birthday message for his brother Alex Van Halen alongside a snap of the siblings
Eddie’s final social media update on both Twitter and Instagram was a birthday message to his brother and fellow band member Alex Van Halen on May 8.
The musician, who boosts 366,000 followers on Instagram, shared a black and white snap of him and his sibling posing the camera, with Alex proudly putting his arm around Eddie’s shoulders.
Eddie captioned the tribute for his brother: “Happy Birthday Al!! Love Ya!! #vanhalen #alexvanhalen #birthday #may #drummer #musician #musicians #family #rock #classicrock #rockband #love.”
Fans have since rushed to the touching social media post to pay tribute to the rocker in the comment section.
The rocker often showed off his sense of humour online (Image: eddievanhalen/Instagram)
One fan penned: “Rest in Peace Eddie. Devastating news today.”
Another added: “REST IN POWER!”
A third posted: “Rest in peace legend . Thank you for all the years of great music you gave us. You will be missed. Legends never die.”
While a fourth said: “I can’t stop crying. RIP Eddie. You are an absolute hero.”
“Rest In Paradise Eddie. You changed rock music! Sending love to your family,” added an emotional fifth fan.
Van Halen made rock and roll history as one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time (Image: Getty Images)
It was reported last year that he had been diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and had been travelling between the USA and Germany for five years for treatment.
In November last year, Eddie had intestinal issues and had undergone chemotherapy in recent months.
Van Halen said he thinks he got throat cancer from putting a metal guitar pick in his mouth when he was on stage.
He leaves behind his son Wolfgang, who he shares with One Day At A Time star Valerie Bertinelli.
His mini me became Van Halen’s bassist in 2006.
Heartbroken Wolfgang, 29, has taken to social media to pay an emotional tribute to his father.
Taking to Twitter, he penned: ” I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning.
“He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift.
“My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
