The guitarist and songwriter co-wrote rock anthems like Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama.

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By Joe Frank

Gary Rossington Dies at 71

Gary Rossington, the last surviving member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, died on Sunday at the age of 71.

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According to a post released on Monday by the band's official Facebook page, Gary Rossington passed away on March 5 at the age of 71.

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Rossington, one of the group's original members, survived the fatal plane crash that killed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977. 

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He was a member of the group up until this year and joined them for a tour planned for later this year.

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The Rossington family requests discretion since Gary is now in heaven with his Beloved brothers and relatives.

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The guitarist's obituary did not specify the reason for death, but he had been dealing with health problems for a long time.

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When a plane crashed in 1977, killing four members of a Southern rock band, Rossington was seriously hurt.

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In the collision, Rossington broke his legs, arms, ankles, and pelvis; however, he returned to the group in 1987, and they have been touring and recording ever since.

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Some of the band's biggest hits, such as Gimme Three Steps, Tuesday's Gone, and Simple Man, were co-written by Rossington.

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