Wayne Static's publicist: 'Death was not drug-related'

Rocker Wayne Static's publicist has cleared up rumors suggesting the singer's tragic death on Saturday (01Nov14) was drug-related, insisting he had been sober since 2009.

The former Static-X frontman passed away at the age of 48, and Twitter tributes have poured in from stars including Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Corgan, Dave Navarro and Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix, who suggested a struggle with addiction was to blame for his untimely death.

He wrote, "RIP Wayne. This is so sad. Too many musicians are dying from overdoses. I'm serious, addiction is real and takes fools out. No one is invincible. So glad I live a sober life today. The number of friends that I have lost to addiction is crazy... I know drugs and partying are part of the 'rock 'n' roll lifestyle,' but damn, how many more gotta die (sic)??? F**k the lifestyle, I want life!!!! See you on the other side, Wayne."

Shaddix's posts sparked speculation Static had suffered a setback in his sobriety, but his representative has now spoken out to set the record straight.

Nancy B. Sayle reveals Static, who was married to adult actress Tera Wray, had not touched drugs in five years and had died in his sleep at his home, although a cause of death has yet to be announced.

In a statement released to WENN, she adds, "Static's first solo album - Pighammer - was a tribute to his new non-drug life and hoped it would help others to get clean from hard chemical drugs.

"More official information about his passing will be released in the following days. This is not a drug related incident or an O. D. (overdose). Please be courteous to his family and wife and leave positive messages".

Static would have turned 49 on Tuesday (04Nov14).