Lynyrd Skynyrd [ tickets ] bassist Leon Wilkeson was found dead in a Florida hotel on Friday (7/27), according to published reports. He was 49.

According to a preliminary examination, Wilkeson suffered from chronic liver and lung disease, and apparently died of natural causes, a medical examiner told the Associated Press on Sunday (7/29). An official cause of death will not be determined until toxicological tests are completed. Those results are expected in two to three weeks.

Wilkeson’s body was discovered in his hotel room at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, about 17 miles south of his hometown of Jacksonville. He is believed to have died in his sleep.

A memorial service that will be open to the public is scheduled for Wednesday (8/1) at the Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, according to a press release from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s management company. Wilkeson’s family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent to the Musician’s Assistance Program (MAP) at 817 Vine Street, Suite 219; Hollywood, Calif.; 90038.

Wilkeson was a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a group best known for ‘70s-era hits such as “Free Bird,'' “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Gimme Three Steps.“ The bassist survived the 1977 plane crash that killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and back-up singer Cassie Gaines. The band was dissolved following the crash, but reunited 10 years later with Ronnie’s brother Johnny taking over on lead vocals, and has continued to record and tour ever since.

The group suffered an additional loss in 1990 when founding guitarist Allen Collins--who was paralyzed in a 1986 car crash that killed his girlfriend--died of respiratory failure while battling pneumonia.

Lynryd Skynyrd has postponed all of its scheduled performances from July 30 through Aug. 7, according to its official website. The tour will resume on Aug. 9, according to details at the site.