Lynyrd Skynyrd bass player Donald 'Ean' Evans has died of cancer at his home in Mississippi, aged 48.

A statement on the band's website announced the musician's death with "profound sadness".

"Ean put up a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer and he will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans," it read.

Evans was born in Atlanta but moved to Mississippi after marrying his wife, Eva. He joined the band in 2001 and toured with them until 2008 when he was diagnosed with cancer.

His death comes just a few months after the passing of Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell, in January.

Only 48 years old. RIP Donald