Official statements from DAMAGEPLAN drummer Vinnie Paul and the DAMAGEPLAN family regarding the shooting tragedy that killed guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, the band’s head of security Jeffrey “Mayhem” Thompson, an employee of the Alrosa Villa club Erin Halk, and a member of the audience Nathan Bray, have been released today.

Vinnie Paul’s statement reads: “With all his greatness and accomplishments on the guitar, DIME will be missed more for his giving personality, charisma, caring for others, love and most of all his HEART!! Twice as big as the state of TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!! DIME gave it all everyday to each and every one of us and our lives have forever been hollowed without him…Thanks to all of you for reaching out to us in this time of our immeasurable loss. REST IN PEACE BROTHER DIME!!!!!!”

The DAMAGEPLAN family issued the following statement: “Jeffrey ‘Mayhem’ Thompson was not just a true part of the DAMAGEPLAN family, but part of the whole Dallas music scene. He was friend to all, with a great personality. He bent over backward to help us all with his trademark phrases like ‘What can I do for you sir?’ and ‘Coming up!’ He also stated his willingness to protect us, saying ‘I’d take a bullet for ya,’ and unfortunately did in defense of our lives. He truly lived and died for his friends and made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save ours. For this we will never forget. You will be missed big man.”

While no official motive has been declared, reports are surfacing about gunman Nathan Gale’s fanaticism towards the Abbott brother’s previous band, PANTERA. Some witnesses said he yelled accusations that “Dimebag” broke up PANTERA, although authorities have not verified those reports.