Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza, who died on stage during a concert at the weekend, passed away of a heart attack according to autopsy results.
Menza collapsed while playing with his Ohm at show in Los Angeles on Saturday (May 21).
Speculation said that Menza’s death may have been drug-related. But it has been revealed that the 51-year-old had been sober for eight years and that his death was due to a heart attack.
A report on TMZ said: “The autopsy results show this was not your stereotypical drug-related death.”
Menza played on four Megadeth albums during his time in the band from 1989-1998, including the influential ‘Rust In Peace’ album in 1990.
Following Menza’s death, Megadeth singer Dave Mustaine announced that the band will perform a benefit show in his memory featuring all the band’s current and past members.
In an interview with the metal podcast The Wave Northwest recorded two weeks before his death, Menza admitted he missed playing in front of the large crowds he enjoyed during his time in Megadeth.
Menza said: “I miss the playing part of it, very much so, in front of the big crowds and just rocking people and having people come up afterwards. That’s the only part of it I miss.”