MERCYFUL FATE bassist Timi Hansen has died after a long battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by his son Mickey. Hansen went public with his diagnosis in early August after it was announced that he wouldn’t participate in MERCYFUL FATE’s 2020 reunion. Filling in for him will be ARMORED SAINT and FATES WARNING bassist Joey Vera. On August 1, Timi released a statement saying: “There are many questions about why I won’t appear as part of the MERCYFUL FATE reunion in 2020. The honest explanation is simply that I am currently fighting a fight against cancer. But believe me, I will fight everything I can to be ready. The 61-year-old Hansen played in MERCYFUL FATE from 1981 to 1985 and again from 1992 to 1993. He was also a member of KING DIAMOND from 1985 to 1987.