12/26/2012 15:02

Rigor Mortis

Mike Scaccia of Rigor Mortis and Ministry dead at 47

The metal community was shocked this past weekend by the sudden death of Mike Scaccia. Initially, it was reported that the guitarist had suffered a seizure caused by strobe lights while performing with Rigor Mortis this past Saturday night (December 22). However, according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office, Scaccia's death onstage was actually caused by a heart attack brought on by heart disease.

Scaccia's Rigor Mortis bandmate Bruce Corbitt confirmed the update via the following post on Facebook:

"Please everyone... I know there has been so many rumors and reasons that Mike passed away. This stuff about strobe lights is totally false. I wanted to wait for the official cause of death to be released. But I already knew when it happened. Here is the official word... RIP Mike Scaccia. SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH Due to: ATHEROSCLEROTIC AND HYPERTENSIVE HEART DISEASE"

Corbitt has been paying tribute to his fallen bandmate by sharing numerous anecdotes and vintage photos via his personal Facebook account. The singer also revealed plans to launch an online fundraiser and hold a tribute show in support of Scaccia's family. Ministry mainman Al Jourgensen also shared his thoughts on the death of his longtime friend and collaborator via the following statement:

"I just lost my lil' brother and my best friend. The 13th Planet compound is devastated, completely in shock and shattered. Mikey was not only the best guitar player in the history of music, but he was a close, close, close part of our family — and I just lost a huge chunk of my heart today. Our lives are forever changed. Life without Mikey is like orange juice without pulp — kind of bland. I have no words to express what this guy meant to me, my family, my career... everything!

Get to know his lead parts — for they are in the pantheon of music! Unfortunately, most of you didn't get to know Mikey's soul — which is in the pantheon of humanity. He is my hero, my friend and my idol. Mikey was always beside me — my right-hand man — through thick and thin, the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful.

Rest in peace my brother, my friend, my heart. Please pray for Mike Scaccia and Jenny, his wife and their children, and his family.”

Officials reportedly ruled Scaccia's passing as a natural death. Scaccia was 47 years old. He is survived by his wife by Jenny Rowen Scaccia, their two children Gianna and Ryder, and his older daughters Sarah and Taarna.

(source: MetalInsider.net)