We all lost a massive piece of the metal world on Dec. 23 when Ministry / Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia died onstage at the age of 47. Although the cause of death was uncertain at first, the Fort Worth Telegram reported soon after that Scaccia's death was from a heart attack brought on by serious heart disease.

The show, which was a celebration of Rigor Mortis vocalist Bruce Corbitt's 50th birthday, ended suddenly when Scaccia suddenly collapsed while performing. Corbitt has now started a fundraiser for Scaccia's wife and children and plans to put on a benefit show for the cause.

Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen posted a heartfelt and in-depth memorial of his guitarist and dear friend via Facebook. " I lost my lil' brother and my best friend. 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."

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