Dave Hlubek of Molly Hatchet fame dies at the age of 66

A longtime Southern rock band has lost one of its voices.

Dave Hlubek, founder of the band Molly Hatchet, died Sunday, according to the band’s website. Hlubek, who was the lead guitarist and also provided background vocals, was 66.

“It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved friend and band member Dave Hlubek,” says a statement on Molly Hatchet’s official website and also posted on their Facebook page. “Dave was one of the founding lead guitarists of Molly Hatchet. Amongst his many contributions to southern rock is ‘Flirtin’ with Disaster.’ Our condolences and our prayers go out to his family during this time of loss. He will be missed but never forgotten, as the music lives on through his legacy in Molly Hatchet.”

“Flirtin’ with Disaster” is the band’s most popular hit. The song appeared on their second studio album of the same name, which was released in 1979. It went double platinum.

Details on how Hlubek died weren’t given, but multiple reports suggest he had a heart attack. He was born Aug. 28, 1951, in Jacksonville, Fla.

The news comes on the same day Steely Dan guitarist and co-founder Walter Becker died. Becker was 67.

Fans took to Twitter to express sympathy and pay tribute.

This story was originally published September 3, 2017 at 8:23 PM with the headline "Dave Hlubek of Molly Hatchet fame dies at the age of 66."