Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member and guitarist Gary Rossington dies, aged 71

Gary Rossington attends Lynyrd Skynyrd's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2006. (AP: Stuart Ramson, file)

Gary Rossington — Lynyrd Skynyrd's last surviving original member who also helped to found the group — has died at the age of 71.

"It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today," the band wrote on Facebook.