Alice In Chains members mourn Starr's death

Alice In Chains members Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney have mourned the loss of former bandmate Mike Starr.

The bassist passed away at a house in Salt Lake City, UT earlier this week, according to reports. No further details have been released.

In a statement, the band said: "Members of Alice in Chains 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."

Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler, Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx and Slash are among the famous faces who have paid tribute to the musician on Twitter

Dr Drew Pinsky, who worked with Starr on a past season of Celebrity Rehab, also tweeted his condolences, writing: "Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness. So very sad. Our prayers are with his family."

A post-mortem examination is expected to be completed today, although BBC News reports that toxicology tests could take up to two weeks.