Alexi Laiho, frontman of iconic Finnish metal band Children of Bodom has passed away at the age of 41.
Laiho’s death was announced in a statement by Bodom After Midnight, the supergroup he formed after Children of Bodom split in late 2019.
“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho,” the statement read.
“We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member.”
The statement was signed by Laiho’s current bandmates, Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen.
Bodom After Midnight’s manager Jouni Markkanen also released a statement via Laiho’s Instagram profile, which revealed that Laiho died at his home in Helsinki, Finland.
While Laiho’s cause of death has not yet been announced. Markkanen said that Laiho had dealt with “long-term health issues during his last years.”
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Markkanen went on to reveal that further Bodom After Midnight material will still be released despite Laiho’s death.
“Alexi Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded Children of Bodom in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019,” he said.
“Last year Alexi Laiho put together Bodom After Midnight, who recorded three songs and shot one music video, which will be released later on posthumously.
Markkanen explained that “important family ties brought a welcomed balance to [Laiho’s] life,” and revealed that some of Laiho’s extended family live in Australia.
“The talented guitarist and musician relished his roles as stepdad in his patchwork family, and as uncle and godfather,” he said.
Laiho’s sister said the family are “all absolutely shocked and devasted” by his passing, and that they ask for “privacy and understanding”.
“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father, Laiho’s wife Kelli Wright-Laiho said.
“Our hearts are eternally broken.”
Check out the full statement from Jouni Markkanen about the death of Children of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho:
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