Eddie Van Halen dies after battle with cancer

Legendary rocker Eddie Van Halen has died after a battle with cancer.

TMZ reported he died at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica Tuesday, and that his health slid downhill over the last 72 hours.

The Van Halen co-founder's son shared a tribute to his father in Twitter Tuesday afternoon:

"I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewick Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer," Wolf Van Halen wrote. "He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift."

He continued: "My heart is broken and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, pop."

This is a breaking story and will be updated further shortly.