May 24, 2010. The day our brother lost his life. The Des Moines Register reported that Paul Gray had been found dead in room 431 at the TownePlace Suites Hotel in Urbandale, Iowa at about 10:50 a.m. local time. He was 38 years old.

In a 911-call, one of the hotel's proprietors said that a hypodermic needle was found next to Paul Gray's bed, as well as many pills that were apparently scattered across the room. An initial autopsy determined that no foul play or trauma was involved, but could not establish the cause of death. Wife Brenna was pregnant when Paul died, and their daughter October, who was born after his death never got to meet her father.

The next day, May 25, 2010, the band, without their usual masks, held a formal press conference in Des Moines, Iowa. They did not take any questions from the media. The band, as well as Paul Gray's brother, Tony, and wife, Brenna, paid tribute to him.

"He was kind of the person in the band that really wanted everybody in the band to always get along and just concentrate on the band. He was a really great friend and just a great person. He's going to be sadly missed, and the world is going to be a different place without him." - Shawn Crahan

On June 21, 2010, autopsy results were released that stated Paul Gray had died of an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl, and had also shown signs of "significant heart disease". A month later, on July 30, Paul Gray was posthumously awarded the Kerrang! "Services to Metal" award; it was collected by his Slipknot bandmate Corey Taylor on his behalf. A private funeral was held on Friday May 28, 2010. Paul Gray is buried at the Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa.

"Paul was easy going, charismatic, enjoyed his music, cars, his fans, Starbucks and spending time with his family and friends. He loved his puppies and of course, smoking his Marlboro Reds" - Brenna Gray

Paul Gray, better known as #2 or "The Pig" because of the mask he wore while performing with Slipknot, helped form the group in 1995, along with current members Shawn "Clown" Crahan and Joey Jordison. Though the band's lineup shifted over the years with members departing or switching instruments, Paul Gray's position within the group remained constant: He was the only bass player Slipknot ever had.

Paul Gray was a founding figure of Slipknot and can never be replaced. During Slipknot's 2011 Summer tour, ex band member Donnie Steele filled in for him. Slipknot shows during this time featured Paul's jumpsuit and Self-Titled era pig mask on a stand, along with a bass guitar standing next to it. Fans honoured Paul with a two minute silence during the band's headline set at Sonisphere Festival, Knebworth. During the gig, Donnie Steele did not take to the stage, but instead played backstage not to take focus away from Paul Gray.

On November 8, 2010, items that decorated Paul Gray's grave, including statues and ornaments, were stolen. The band responded to this event with a post on their MySpace and Facebook page, asking the robbers to return the stolen items and appealing for information from the public.

"In a very upsetting turn of events we have learned that some gifts left for Paul at his grave site have been stolen. There were statues of a gargoyle as well as a Buddah that were placed at Paul’s grave by his friends and family that were taken. We ask that whoever did this please return the items no questions asked. If anyone has any information about the stolen items please let us know by posting in the comments. Thank you for your continued support in this trying time." - Slipknot

In September 2012, Paul Gray's physician Daniel Baldi was charged with involuntary manslaughter relating to Gray's death, as well as the deaths of at least seven others. He was accused of continually writing high-dose prescription narcotics to Paul Gray, despite him being a known drug addict from December 27, 2005 until his death. The doctor appeared in court on September 27, 2012 to face the charges, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The full article can be read online here.