> Ex-Megadeth drummer Nick Menza collapses on stage, dies.
>
> LOS ANGELES — Nick Menza, former drummer for the influential metal band Megadeth, died after collapsing on stage during a performance of his progressive jazz trio in Southern California, a family spokesman said Sunday.
> Menza's latest band OHM was three songs into a semi-regular set at a Los Angeles-area club Saturday night when the drummer collapsed, J. Marshall Craig told The Associated Press. Friends and audience members rendered aid while paramedics were called.
> The 51-year-old died at the club of a suspected massive heart attack, Craig said.
> Menza was Megadeth's longest-serving drummer, performing on five records over nine years, including 1990's thrash metal landmark, "Rust In Peace."
> Dave Mustaine, singer, guitarist and co-founder of Megadeth, said in a statement that he awoke to a text message from his son with the news.
> "Shocked, devastated, and saddened don't begin to describe my feelings," Mustaine said.
> "As a player, Nick had a very powerful jazzy flair, unpredictable and always entertaining, and as great a drummer as he was, the time spent with him as a person, a bandmate, and a friend was even more fun," Mustaine's statement said.
> Marty Friedman, the band's guitarist from 1990 to 2000, wrote on Facebook that Menza was "a great and unique drummer" and "a trustworthy friend, a hilarious bandmate, as well as a very loving dad."
> After leaving Megadeth in 1998, Menza pursued an interest in jazz and became an accomplished woodworker.
> Mustaine said he discussed Menza returning to the band several times, "but for various reasons it never came together."
> Menza's autobiography, co-written by Craig, will detail the drummer's life in and out of music and is set for a July release.
> He is survived by his mother and father, the jazz saxophonist Don Menza, and two sons.


Cite: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/ex-megadeth-drummer-nick-menza-collapses-on-stage-dies/ar-BBtkC1M?OCID=ansmsnnews11

Saw this on the tv at the gym this morning. A great way to depart if you ask me...doing what you love!

Follow-up. Seems it was natural causes, but brought on by the "rock star" indulgences.


> Former MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza's death was caused by cardiovascular disease, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner said.
>
> Nick collapsed after suffering a heart attack during the third song of OHM:'s set on May 21 at The Baked Potato in Studio City, California and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital. He was 51 years old.
>
> The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner said Menza died of natural causes. The cause of Menza's death was listed as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
>
> Menza had reportedly dabbled with drugs in the earlier part of his career but had been completely sober for eight years.
>
> One person who was present at The Baked Potato Saturday night told BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "It appeared to be a seizure but stopped breathing. Two patrons took over and began CPR until EMS arrived. EMS worked on him for 25-plus minutes, including adrenaline shots, three shocks and non-stop compressions."


Cite: http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/medical-examiner-cardiovascular-disease-caused-nick-menzas-death/