Ean Evans | Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist, 48

Ean Evans, 48, bass player of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd for the last several years, died of cancer Wednesday at his home in eastern Mississippi, said Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant.

Mr. Evans had joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2001 after the death of its longtime bassist, Leon Wilkeson.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the South's most popular rock groups in the 1970s, known for such hits as "Free Bird," "What's Your Name," and "Sweet Home Alabama," a top 10 hit in 1974. Three of the band members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, were killed in a plane crash in 1977. - AP