Slipknot bassist Paul Gray found dead in hotel room

Slipknot bassist Paul Dedrick Gray was found dead in a hotel room in Urbandal, Iowa, at the age of 38, according to media reports Tuesday.

Police said there was no evidence of foul play and the investigation was ongoing.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. Toxicology tests will be done.

The bass guitarist was a founding member of Slipknot, a band that had been nominated for seven Grammy awards and won in 2006 for best metal performance.

The band's publicist verified his death on Monday, but did not provide additional details. "I can confirm that the news is sadly true," she told EW, "But that is all I can offer at this time."

In 2003, Gray was arrested on drug-possession charges after police discovered small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and two syringes in his vehicle following a traffic accident in Des Moines. Those charges were eventually dropped; Gray admitted he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.

Source: Xinhua/agencies