Vinnie Paul, drummer and founding member of metal act Pantera has died at the age of 54. No cause of death has been released.

Paul, along with brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbot, formed Pantera in 1981, both being the only continuous members of the band until its dissolution in 2003. Afterward, Paul played in notable acts such as Damageplan and, for the last twelve years, the supergroup HELLYEAH.

Punknews sends our condolences to Pauls family, friends, and fans.