Mike Starr mourned by former bandmates, Dr. Drew

(CBS) Mike Starr's former Alice in Chains bandmates have responded to news of his death.

The former bassist for the group, who appeared on the third season of "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," was found dead in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, police say. He was 44.

Read more: Mike Starr of Alice in Chains dead at 44

Guitarist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney released a statement that same day, saying, "Jerry and Sean are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy - and the privacy of Mike's family - during this difficult time. Their thoughts & prayers are with the Starr family."

Dr. Drew Pinsky, the host of "Celebrity Rehab," also spoke about Starr's death.

"Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness," he posted on Twitter. "So very sad. Our prayers are with his family."

Starr was the original bassist for Alice in Chains. He left the group in 1993.

The band's original singer, Layne Staley, died of a drug overdose in 2002.