Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers Dies at 48 After Liver Disease Battle

Sam Rivers, founding bassist of the nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48. He had struggled with severe liver disease linked to chronic alcohol abuse, which led to a liver transplant in 2017 after doctors warned his drinking was life-threatening. Rivers temporarily left the band in 2015 due to his health but rejoined in 2018 after recovering. Limp Bizkit and its members paid tribute to Rivers as a "once-in-a-lifetime human" and the "soul in the sound," highlighting his immense talent and impact on the band's signature style. The cause of his death has not been officially disclosed, though rumors about a bear attack have been debunked. Rivers' passing marks a significant loss for the music industry and underscores the dangers of addiction despite success.