Created: 1/28/2009 10:16:28 AM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist and pianist Billy Powell has died.
Powell, 56, died early Wednesday morning. The death was initially posted on the band's fan club web site.
Orange Park Police Chief James Boivin says Powell called 911 at 12:55 a.m. Wednesday saying he was having difficulty breathing.
Police arrived at his home and his niece answered the door. She didn't know why police were there, but Powell called from his bedroom, Boivin says.
"We were there probably within a minute and a half, along with rescue, did what we could do, and finally the rescue personnel pronounced him dead just before 1 o'clock," Boivin told First Coast News' Erich Spivey.
Boivin says Powell missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. Boivin says Powell died of "natural causes" and the police investigation is complete.
Powell was one of two band members, along with Gary Rossington, still active who performed with the band prior to the fatal plane crash in 1977 that killed 3 of the band's members.
Lynyrd Skynyrd had 2 concerts scheduled for next week in Louisiana and Mississippi, but has canceled them, according to the band's publicist, who adds that they hope to reschedule the dates in the near future.
The publicist also released the following statement: "Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. We have no further details. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you."
Powell stuck with the band through its golden years; in 2006, he was at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
He joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972, one year after a concert on Jacksonville's southbank. Powell was a roadie then and joined the band for a prom at Bolles.
CLICK HERE to leave us your comments and memories of Lynyrd Skynyrd
©2010 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
