Nick Menza dead at 51: Former Megadeth drummer suffers heart attack on stage
NICK MENZA, the former drummer for heavy metal group Megadeth, has died after suffering a heart attack on stage.
Nick Menza has died at the age of 51
The musician, who was 51, was playing with his band OHM in Los Angeles when he collapsed.
A statement, released by his management read: "Nick collapsed during the third song into a set with his band of OHM.
"Earliest reports indicate he suffered a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital."
His manager, Rob Bolger, said he had been taken to hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.
The former drummer is said to have suffered a heart attack on stage
Nick joined Megadeath in 1989 and left in 1998
Nick joined Megadeth in 1989 and played on four albums, before leaving the band in 1998.
It is believed knee problems and a benign tumour forced him to leave the band's tour.
Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman paid tribute to the drummer on Facebook.
He was described as a
His forer bandmates described him as a
He wrote: "We all known the great and unique drummer that Nick Menza was, but he was also a trustworthy friend, a hilarious bandmate, as well as a very loving dad.
"I'm beyond sad, did not see this coming at all. RIP Brother."
The band's frontman Dave Mustaine tweeted: "TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE! I woke up at 4AM to hear Nick Menza passed away on 5/21 playing his drums with OHM at the Baked Potato.
"I am gutted."