Limp Bizkit has announced the death of Sam Rivers, the band's bassist and founding member, at age 48. The group shared the news in a social media post on Saturday, calling Rivers a brother, bandmate, and heartbeat of the band. No cause of death was disclosed in the announcement, though Rivers had a history of alcohol-related liver disease. Rivers’ contributions helped shape Limp Bizkit’s early sound and establish the band’s place in the nu-metal and metal scene. Fans and fellow musicians are paying tribute to a musician whose work played a pivotal role in the band’s enduring legacy.