James Owen Sullivan ( February 9 , 1981 -- December 28 , 2009 ) , more commonly known by his stage name The Rev ( shortened version of The Reverend Tholomew Plague ) , was an American musician and songwriter , best known as the drummer and founding member for the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold .
James Owen Sullivan ( February 9 , 1981 -- December 28 , 2009 ) , known by his stage name The Reverend Tholomew Plague , usually shortened to The Rev , was an American musician , best known as a co-founder and drummer of the American hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold .