X Japan bassist Heath has died at the age of 55, a local media outlet confirmed.
Heath, born Hiroshie Morie, famously played for X Japan starting in 1992 when he replaced the band's ex-bassist, Taiji Sawada. He had an on-and-off stint with the group until 2007.
Heath Dead at 55
Yahoo Japan reported that Heath was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Unfortunately, his condition was in an advanced stage already when they discovered it, making it impossible for him to lengthen his life further through treatments.
In October, his bandmate - X Japan drummer and pianist Yoshiki was set to receive an award from the Japan Society of Southern California at the 37th Award of Honor Gala in San Francisco, Calif. However, he revealed in a Facebook post that he would not make it due to "an unexpected loss in the family."
It remains unknown whether Yoshiki was referring to Heath in the post, but fans have since left heartfelt messages in the comments section to express their heartbreak over the loss.
One said, "Never imagined it was Heath when I originally read this post. Didn't occur to me that we would lose him so early. I am still shocked."
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"Now I understand you were referring to Heath and I'm devastated," another added, while one penned, "I am heartbroken hearing the sad news of Heath. I know this will be an extremely difficult situation for you to get through. I will pray for you, Yoshiki. Sending you, the members of X JAPAN and your families tight hugs and love. May Heath rest in peace."
Meanwhile, Josei Seven published an article citing sources who revealed that Heath learned about his cancer diagnosis so suddenly that he did not have enough time to tell his bandmates about his struggles.
Heath played on X Japan's two albums after joining in 1992 - "Art of Life" and "Dahlia." The band called it quits in 1997 but reunited a decade later without Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto, who passed away a year prior.
Among X Japan's other notable projects included the songs for the "X2" music video and the "X" movie. The group dropped its first song in eight years, "Angel," last summer.
Heath's family has yet to release an official statement following the emergence of the death news online.
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