Bob Burns Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer Dies In Tragic Car Crash: #RIP Twitter Tributes For Original 'Free Bird' Rocker Death

Reports confirm that former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Robert Lewis "Bob" Burns was killed in a car crash on Friday evening (April 3). The "Free Bird" rocker was 64-years-old.

Exact details surrounding the tragic accident remain unknown. The single-car wreck occurred in Bartow County right before midnight when Burns lost control of his vehicle while approaching a right curve on Tower Ridge Road. According to Georgia State Patrol spokesperson Tracey Watson:

"After leaving the roadway, the driver struck a mailbox and a tree with the front of the vehicle" (via Patch.com).

Burns was driving alone, and not wearing a seat-belt. Weather conditions may have been a factor in the crash.

Several fans have since offered their RIP condolences on Twitter:

@PatrickInNC: "Bob Burns was to Lynyrd Skynyrd what Pete Best was to the Beatles. RIP and Godspeed."

@mitchcooper66: "Just learned Bob burns original drummer for the Lynyrd Skynyrd band was killed in an auto accident last night. RIP Bob!!"

@ZarenSpin: "Good Lord... these dudes must have sold their souls to Satan #RIP Bob Burns."

@KChele: "RIP Bob Burns @Skynyrd original member :(."

@mcg222: "Sad news i just heard the original drummer for my favorite band Lynyrd Skynyrd died in a car crash last night RIP MR BOB BURNS..."

@Coach_Cawley34: "Rip bob burns loved you and #lynyrd skynyrd 's music. What a great drummer #freebird."

@simpledrums: "Lost another Lynyrd Skynyrd band member today. RIP Mr. Bob Burns."

@guitarpianodude: "RIP Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Bob Burns. We have lost so many classic musicians lately :/."

@Hazzledazzle_: "RIP Bob Burns...Your drumming was one of my earliest inspirations and continues to be to this day #LynyrdSkynyrd."

@simpledrums: "We lost Bob Burns today. God bless."

Burns was an original founder of the popular Southern rock band in 1964. He was later replaced by Artimus Pyle in 1974, after feeling "too overwhelmed" with constant life on the road. He played on several of the band's earliest demos. Three popular members (lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist/vocalist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines) were later killed in a 1977 airplane crash. Despite several replacements over the years, the band still performs today.

Rest in peace, Bob Burns.