According to Classic Rock, drummer Ted McKenna, who replaced de'Ath in 1978, broke the news via Facebook.

Ted and Rod met a couple of times when they worked with Gallagher, but ran into eachother again in 2012. Ted comments:

"I was delighted to meet Rod again in 2012 when, for the first time, Rod, Brendan O'Neill and I, three of Rory Gallagher's drummers, had all been together. (...) My thoughts are with his family and friends, those who knew him well and will miss him."

Rod de'Ath joined Gallagher's band in time for 1973's album 'Blueprint'. He played on four other albums with the Rory Gallagher band, including one live record, before leaving the group.

From there, Rod de'Ath worked in a couple of other bands, but his career was cut short in the mid-80s when he was involved in a severe accident which caused him to lose one eye and suffer brain damage. Rod was no longer able to play drums.