"Swords of Valhalla" Drummer Dead at 33

From: The Sacramento Bee ~ 12 March, 2014

Derek Lucas, better known to his many fans as "The Noose" and the long time drummer of the Death Metal band, 'Swords of Valhalla', died on Wednesday.

He was 33.

The rock drummer and partner of actress Trixie Velvet died at Aspen Valley Hospital, CO. The cause of death was not announced, but he had been hospitalized after suffering a devastating brain injury while skiing Tuesday.

Alex Vincent, lead singer of 'Swords of Valhalla' and life long friend of Lucas, his family and fellow band members were shocked and devastated by the tragic death.

In a statement released by Mutual Destruction Records; "We are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time. We will all miss Derek. He had a genuine lust for life and irreplaceable talent."

Lucas was injured while skiing on Jackpot Ridge at the famous Aspen skiing resort where he and his fellow band members had just finished filming for ahead of the release of their third studio album. It is thought that Lucas, a talented skier and snowboarder, and his model girlfriend, Trixie Velvet, were taking a break after completing filming locally and were preparing for participating in the 2014 Xtreme-Gamez.

His death comes only three months after the death of Scott LeMay, the band's lead guitarist, in a mysterious car accident in Pasadena, CA.