Dan Toler Dies: What Killed The Allman Brothers Guitarist? [VIDEO]

Dan Toler Dies: Allman Brothers guitarist loses year-long battle with Lou Gherig's disease. Read on to learn more and watch video of "Dangerous" Dan Toler performing.

"Dan Toler Dies," was the headline reported by Rolling Stone after the Allman Borthers guitarist finally succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Dan Toler died at around 8 a.m. on Monday, February 25, 2013. His wife Debbie told the Ticket Sarasota that she found him dead in his bed that morning after passing peacefully in his sleep.

"His ability to make people laugh and feel good and happy was amazing," Dan Toler's close friend and former band percussionist Chaz Trippy told the local paper. "That smile of his is just a force of life and, God, how he loved playing that guitar."

Dan Toler died just days after his last visit from Trippy, who told the Ticket he last saw "Dangerous" Dan on Friday. By then the guitarist could know longer speak, and instead signed a message to his friend, stating that not being able to play the guitar was "breaking his heart."

"I didn't cry in front of [Dan Toler] but I sure did when I got back into my car," Trippy revealed.

The "Dan Toler dies" news was soon shared on his official Facebook page, where hundreds of music lovers have shared their own messages of grief and support.

"It is with great regret and sadnesss that our dear friend and loved one, Dan Toler, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night," read the notice. "Future service to be announced. Please keep Debbie and the family in your prayers. We would also ask at this time that you would respect the family's privacy. The Toler family thanks you for all your love and support."

"Yes Prayers to Dan's Family!! What an awesome person!!" wrote Charlie Vargo.

"So sorry to hear this when I was a teen Allman Brothers was my favorite Band I was listening to the old stuff on Saturday," wrote Cheryl Willets Herman.

"Dangerous" Dan Toler was also honored on Twitter:

"Allman Brothers' Dangerous Dan dies," wrote Greg Tobin.

"Former Allman Brothers guitarist Dan Toler dies after battle with ALS," wrote the Huffington Post.

"Check out Former Allman Brothers Guitarist 'Dangerous' Dan Toler Dies: http://ultimateclassicrock.com/allman-brothers-guitarist-dan-toler-dies/?trackback=twitter ...," tweeted @parisdreams2014.

"R.I.P. Dan Toler Dies, Allman Brothers Band Guitarist Remembered," tweeted Frankie B..

"#AllmanBrothers guitarist, #Bradenton area resident Dan Toler dies after long battle with ALS," tweeted Martin Clear.

Dan Toler began his career as a musician with Dickey Betts & Great Southern for the band's self-titled 1977 record. Soon afterwards in 1979 he joined the reunited Allman Brothers and played with them until 1982 when the band broke up for a second time. However, "Dangerous" Dan continued touring with the Gregg Allman Band alongside his brother David.