1/28/2009

in

Lynard Skynard Guitarist Billy Powell is playing the Great Gig in the Sky after dying of an undisclosed illness.

John Winn

According to the Associated Press, police in Orange Park, Florida, responded to a call from Powell's house, complaining of breathing problems. Paramedics attempted to revive Powell, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 AM today.  
  
Lt. Mark Cornett said that there was no foul play and that no autopsy would be performed on the 66 year-old musician.  
  
According to Cornett, Powell missed an appointment with his cardiologist Tuesday.  
  
Powell was one of two band members who survived the 1977 crash that nearly took off his nose and resulted in the death of band mate Ronnie Van Zant.