Mike Starr Found Dead

Mike Starr, in the 1990s

Marty Temme/WireImage

Former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr, who appeared on season 3 of the VH1 reality show Celebrity Rehab, was found dead in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, according to reports. He was 44.

The cause and manner of death were not immediately known, according to CNN.

Starr's former bandmates, Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney, released a statement which read: "Jerry and Sean are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy ? and the privacy of Mike's family ? during this difficult time. Their thoughts & prayers are with Mike's family."

Dr. Drew Pinsky, the host of Celebrity Rehab, responded to Starr's death with a note on Twitter that read: "Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness. So very sad. Our prayers are with his family."

Alice in Chains' original singer, Layne Staley, died of a drug overdose in 2002.

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