Harrowing new details about death of Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers at just 48

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More information has now emerged surrounding the passing of Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers.

The metal band shared a heartfelt message on Saturday announcing the death of their bassist, who passed away earlier that day at the age of 48. They haven’t yet released information about how he died.

More details have come to light regarding the health and death of Rivers. According to a spokesperson for the St. Johns County, Florida Fire Rescue, they received a call on Saturday for someone who was unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, according to TMZ.

A spokesperson for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the news outlet that deputies were called to the address following a death.

The American Institute of Crime Scene Integrity defines an ‘attended death’ as one where the person who died was receiving medical care for a serious illness expected to result in death within a few days or months – not years.

The musician recently passed away, though the exact cause is currently unknown. He had been open about his struggles with alcohol, which led to a liver disease diagnosis. He received a liver transplant in 2017.

John Rivers was one of the first members of the band Limp Bizkit, which started in 1994.

Limp Bizkit members Fred Durst, John Otto, Wes Borland, and DJ Lethal shared a heartfelt statement about the passing of Sam Rivers, describing him as a brother, bandmate, and the heart of their group.

Sam Rivers wasn’t simply the bass player in our band; he brought a special, almost magical quality to everything we did. He was the driving force behind our music, providing a sense of stability amidst the energy, and a deep emotional core to our sound.

From the moment we started playing music together, Sam infused everything with a unique energy and rhythm that no one else could replicate. He was a naturally gifted musician, a truly memorable person, and a kind, generous soul.

The group reminisced, saying, ‘We had so many unforgettable experiences—some exciting, some peaceful, and all beautiful—and Sam made each one even more special just by being there.’

They called Rivers ‘a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human’ as well as ‘a true legend of legends.’

They finished their statement by saying his energy and impact would continue to be felt in his music, performances, and the memories he created.

We’ll always remember and cherish you, Sam. Rest in peace, our friend. Your music will live on forever. — Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal ❤️

Rivers and Durst first connected in the 1990s when they both worked at Chick-fil-A. They later formed the band Limp Bizkit in 1994 with drummer Otto.

I was so excited when, two years after they first started, Limp Bizkit added guitarist Wes Borland and DJ Lethal! That’s when things really took off. In 1997, they finally released their first album, ‘Three Dollar Bill, Y’all,’ and it was amazing – especially tracks like ‘Counterfeit.’

The band continued to gain popularity and acclaim with their second album, Significant Other (1999), and then with Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000).

The group had several major hits, including popular songs like “Break Stuff,” “My Way,” and their cover of “Behind Blue Eyes.”

The band went on hiatus in 2006, but reunited just three years later in 2009.

Limp Bizkit has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album for ‘Significant Other’ in 2000. They’ve also won several other awards, like a Billboard Music Award for Top Modern Rock Artist.

Rivers left the band in 2015, then returned in 2018. He later shared that he had been dealing with liver disease during that time.

According to Loudwire, the musician shared this information in a 2020 book called Raising Hell, written by rock journalist Jon Wiederhorn.

He explained that years of heavy drinking led to liver disease, forcing him to leave Limp Bizkit in 2015. It wasn’t long after that he discovered the severity of his condition and knew he needed to make significant lifestyle changes.

Rivers also shared that he prioritized his health and later received a liver transplant.

I stopped drinking and followed all of my doctor’s instructions. I received treatment for my alcohol use and eventually had a successful liver transplant – the donor was a very good match.

He shared that he was diagnosed in 2011, got sober for roughly nine to ten months, and then went on tour.

Despite a difficult home life, he relapsed into drinking, which eventually led to a warning from doctors.

Things got so serious that I ended up in UCLA Hospital, and the doctor warned me I was risking my life. They said I needed to stop whatever I was doing, or I’d likely need a liver transplant.

Joan Rivers battled liver disease for a few years, and unfortunately, it ultimately took her life. She received a liver transplant in 2017.

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2025-10-21 19:19