What Was Dean Daughtry Cause of Death? Atlanta Rhythm Section Co-Founder Dead at 76

Dean Daughtry, a co-founder of the rock band Atlanta Rhythm Section, has died. He was 76.

The official Facebook page of the band confirmed the news in a post, saying that Daughtry passed away.

"For 49 years he never missed a gig, until his health forced him to retire a couple of years ago, cutting short his goal of 50 years," part of the statement read. "He was like a bulldog, but his friends knew him as 'OX." Our hearts go out to his wife Donna, and his family. We're gonna miss you, Ol' Buddy."

The post did not disclose Dean Daughtry's cause of death. His family is also yet to release an official statement to address it.

Fans immediately expressed their heartbreaks on Facebook and Twitter as they paid tribute to the late musician at the same time.

One wrote, "I'm so saddened to hear this. I got to know Dean when I worked at Lowery Music. He would come hang out at our offices occasionally and would usually sit with me for awhile & chat. Cool, kind & talented guy. My sincere condolences to Donna & his family."

"My heart is breaking, my friends have made it to the other side. Eternity is a better place, no pain no worries. God bless them," another added.

Dean Daughtry's Career

Daughtry started his career with the Classics IV after Joe Wilson departed from the group.

During his time with the Jacksonville, Florida, band, they changed the name to The Classics IV featuring Dennis Yost. Among the hit songs Daughtry worked on with the members included "Stormy," "Traces," "Every Day With Jesus," and "Every Day With You Girl."

Following the success of the band, Daughtry, J.R. Cobb, and Studio One's owner Buddy Buie created the Atlanta Rhythm section alongside Rodney Justo, Barry Bailey, Paul Goddard, and Robert Nix.

Among the hit albums it released were "Atlanta Rhythm Section," "Back Up Against the Wall," "Third Annual Pipe Dream," "Dog Days," "Red Tape," "Champagne Jam," "Are You Ready," "Quinella," "The Boys from Doraville," "Partly Plugged," "Eufaula," and "With All Due Respect."

Before Daughtry's death, the Atlanta Rhythm Section continued to appear in concerts and festivals. The band also lost its founding members.

On March 13, Bailey died in his sleep following his battle against multiple sclerosis. Cobb died of a heart attack in 2019; Buie passed away in July 2015.

Meanwhile, Nix passed away in 2012 after his diabetes and multiple myeloma.

Vealey and Hammond, on the other hand, succumbed in 1999 and 2011, respectively.