Former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr was found dead yesterday in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Starr was arrested three weeks ago by Utah police after a van he was travelling in was stopped for a traffic violation. The driver was found to have a suspended licence and Starr, who was seen popping pills as officers approached, was led off in handcuffs.

Police say they were called to a Salt Lake City residence yesterday afternoon, where they found the musician’s body. A cause of death has not been revealed although investigators do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances. An autopsy is expected to be held later today.

Starr was dismissed from AIC in 1993, due to his ongoing drug problems.  He discussed his time with the band - and his subsequent firing -  when he appeared on the TV show Celebrity Rehab.

The two remaining original members of AIC made a statement yesterday via their Facebook page:

”Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy – and the privacy of the Starr family – during this difficult time. Their thoughts and prayers are with the Starr family.”

Starr recently said he’d written a song with a new band he’d formed in California. When interviewed by police last month he said he’d come to Utah to start another band.  He was 44.

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