The Las Vegas-based rock band Falling In Reverse has confirmed that their young guitarist and founding member Derek Jones has recently passed away at 35.

His untimely death was announced by Falling In Reverse singer and co-founding member Ronnie Radke, who tweeted four photos of Derek Jones on April 21 and included the following statement: "I'll never forget when you picked me up from jail in your old tour van to start Falling In Reverse. Your spirit will be interwoven through the music I write forever. Rest in peace Derek Jones. My heart is broken." The cause of Jones' death has still not been confirmed.

Ronnie Radke formed the popular post-hardcore band, initially titled as From Behind These Walls while he was still in prison, but changed the band name to Falling In Reverse shortly after the new lineup was finalized. Derek Jones had relocated to Las Vegas in 2010 a few months before Radke got released from prison in order to be there for the launch of Falling In Reverse.

The talented group, who are known for their blend of pop, hip-hop and metalcore, soon landed a record deal with Epitaph Records and released their debut album, 'The Drug In Me Is You' in 2011. Derek Jones appeared on all four of the band's studio albums, with the band's last LP, 'Coming Home', releasing in 2017. Prior to this, he was also part of the band A Smile From The Trenches, featuring on one EP and one full-length album for them from 2007 to 2010.

Tributes have been pouring in for the talented Derek Jones, who initially started playing saxophone before switching to the guitar. His tragic death comes on the heels of his fiancee Christina Cetta's passing in November 2019 due to cancer, which was obviously a body blow to Jones. 

The band, Ice Nine Kills, posted, "Derek was always such a nice guy to us. Our condolences go out to the entire FIR camp."

His friend and musician Ryan Seaman said, "RIP Derek Jones. I’m absolutely gutted and can’t even think straight. My condolences to his family, all of our friends that have been affected. All I can do is remember the good times and hope you can too. In your honor, I’ll definitely be having Taco Bell tonight. Love you all." (Derek was a big fan of Taco Bell).  

A grieving fan posted, "My heart is broken and I’m grieving for you guys, we’re best friends. He used to bring picks every show and even signed a piece of merch for my dad. He used to have full-blown email convos and I just... I can’t believe this at all. Rest easy."

Another shocked fan tweeted, "Listening to 'Losing My Life' right now... came up on my writing jams playlist... This really shows how quickly life can be taken from you. I never got to meet him but he was one of my favorite guitarists."

Another devastated admirer said, "Derek Jones was the kindest, funniest most insanely talented soul and I am honestly at a loss for words. I hope he rests in peace and I hope his loved ones are able to find peace. His music has been, and will continue to be, a huge part of my life and my growth as a human :(."

Many others were talking about his legacy: "Falling In Reverse were one of my favorite bands through my teen years. The fact that a part of a band that defined me is gone breaks my heart. RIP Derek Jones."