Mikey Welsh, the former bassist for Weezer, died unexpectedly last night, aged 40.

His family posted the news on Facebook and Twitter last night and the said:

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Mikey Welsh passed away unexpectedly today. He will forever be remembered as an amazing father, artist, and friend. May he rest in peace".

Welsh played on Weezer's 2001 album, 'The Green Album', which produced some of their biggest hit singles like 'Island In The Sun' and 'Hashpipe'.

Weezer reacted to the death of their friend this morning on their official Twitter account:

"We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the awful news, our friend and fellow weez rocker @mikeywelsh71has passed away. We love u Mikey".

Last October Weezer were offered $10 million to "disappear" by a Seattle resident, James Burns, who claimed he was not a fan but was "tired of my friends being disappointed year after year". The band met the offer by asking him to double the money or nothing.

Watch Weezer's videos for 'Island In The Sun' and 'Hash Pipe', with Mikey Welsh performing: