Donald Evans, better known to Lynyrd Skynyrd fans as bassist “Ean” Evans, died at his home in Missisippi on May 6 after a battle with cancer. Evans is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was 48 years old.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans,” the band said in a statement on its Web site. “Ean put up a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer and he will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans.”

A statement on Evans’ official Web site added, “The Evans Family would like to thank everyone for their love and prayers.”

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, according to a report from the Associated Press. However, the family did request that donations be made to the Good Samaritan Medical Clinic in Columbus, MS, or to the charity of one’s choice, in lieu of flowers.

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Evans stepped in to play bass for Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2001, after the death of longtime bassist Leon Wilkenson. However, he cut back on touring with the band after being diagnosed with cancer in 2008.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will continue its planned summer tours with a stand-in bassist. The band’s European tour is scheduled to begin May 20 in Finland and close June 5 in France. The veteran rock band will then join Kid Rock for the second round of the Rock and Rebels Tour.

Evans’ death is the second suffered by Lynyrd Skynyrd since the beginning of the year. Keyboardist Billy Powell, who joined the band in the early 1970s, died at his Florida home on January 28 at the age of 56.