‘Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven,’ the band said (Picture: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Gary Rossington, the last surviving member of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died aged 71.

The announcement was made by the band in a statement published on Facebook, which said that the late guitarist was ‘now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven’.

‘It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today,’ the message read.

‘Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.

‘Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.’

Lynyrd Skynyrd was first formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964.

In addition to Rossington on guitar, the original line-up in the American band included Ronnie Van Zant on lead vocals, who died in 1977 aged 29; Allen Collins on the guitar, who died in 1990 aged 37; Larry Junstrom on the bass guitar, who died in 2019 aged 70; and Bob Burns on the drums, who died in 2019 aged 70.

More to follow.

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‘Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven,’ the band said.