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\n\tThree members of San Diego metalcore band As I Lay Dying<\/a> have abruptly exited the band, citing clashes with personal morals amid the band\u2019s turbulent history.<\/p>\n \n\tGuitarist Ken Susi, bassist Ryan Neff, and drummer Nick Pierce shared statements this week detailing their reasons for his departure, leaving just controversial frontman Tim Lambesis<\/a> and guitarist Phil Sgrosso in the lineup.<\/p>\n \n\tIn a statement posted on social media on Oct. 24, Susi explained that his morals had been \u201ctested to a breaking point.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cMy time playing with As I Lay Dying has come to an end today. I leave with so much gratitude for everyone who followed and supported me from my days in Unearth to this era of my career,\u201d Susi wrote. \u201cI jumped into the AILD camp with full knowledge of the heightened dramatic history but had a drive to just play great music with great friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tHe added, \u201cUnfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and it\u2019s not the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThis follows a post by bassist Ryan Neff, who left on Oct. 18, calling it \u201cthe right step for my personal and professional journey.\u201d <\/p>\n \n\tSusi had noted in his announcement that Neff had received \u201ca lot of backlash for stepping down first.\u201d He added, \u201cI regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend \u2014 he\u2019s a flawless musician and an even better person. I\u2019ll miss you all on this stage, and I look forward to seeing you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitar player? My resume is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tNeff reflected in his own statement, \u201cAs of today, I have made the decision to leave As I Lay Dying,\u201d Neff wrote via Instagram. \u201cThis choice comes after much reflection, and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I\u2019ve made during my time with the band. Thank you to all the fans for your support.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tDrummer Nick Pierce joined them in departing, also citing personal reasons in his own statement. \u201cAs of now, I am no longer playing drums for As I Lay Dying,\u201d Pierce wrote. \u201cThis is far from being the ending I anticipated, and I feel I need to distance myself from the band in an effort to retain my personal health and integrity.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tIt follows the band\u2019s touring manager, Alex Kendrick, also announcing his departure. In a now-deleted tweet, Kendrick wrote: \u201cI no longer work for AS I LAY DYING \u2013 I do not wish to be asked questions nor will I answer any. I\u2019ve made life long memories that will never be forgotten but my chapter of the book has completed. I wish everyone the best of luck and clearly I\u2019m still rocking with Phil out here.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tFounded in 2000, As I Lay Dying<\/em> rose to prominence as a Grammy-nominated act but became embroiled in controversy in 2013 when Lambesis was arrested and, in 2014, sentenced to prison<\/a> for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his then-wife, Meggan Lambesis. Lambesis pleaded guilty in the case and served two years of a six-year sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n