Drummer John Blackwell Jr. passed away at 43, his wife Yaritza confirmed on his social media accounts. Yaritza said Blackwell passed away “peacefully.”

The drummer, best known for his longtime work with Prince, was diagnosed with two brain tumors that eventually caused him to lose the use of an arm following extensive brain surgery to remove the tumors.

Bandmate Sheila E paid tribute to Blackwell on Twitter following the news of his passing, calling him an “amazing man.” Blackwell joined up with Prince in 2000 as a part of the New Power Generation and also has credits with the likes of Justin Timberlake and Patti LaBelle.