Jeff Hannerman’s life changed in 2011 when he was bitten on his arm by a spider and he had to learn to walk again.

Now the founder of the world famous metal band Slayer has died of liver disease, aged 49.

The band’s Facebook page posted: “Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11am this morning near his Southern California home.

“Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure.

“Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 – 2013).”

An open letter posted on the band’s website said that the guitarist spent most of 2011 recovering from a flesh-eating disease contracted from a spider bite.

“What you may not have known was that for a couple of days after he went to the ER, things were touch-and-go. There was talk that he might have to have his arm amputated, and we didn’t know if he was going to pull through at all,” the letter said.

“He was in a medically-induced coma for a few days and had several operations to remove the dead and dying tissue from his arm. So, understand, he was in really, really bad shape.

“It’s been about a year since he got out of the hospital, and since then, he had to learn to walk again, he’s had several painful skin grafts, he’s been in rehab doing exercises to regain the strength in his arm; but best of all, he’s been playing guitar.”

It’s not known what role the disease played in Hanneman’s liver failure.

The California born musician was a founding member and key songwriter for the band, including songs Raining Blood, War Ensemble and Seasons in the Abyss.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry.