Ministry / Rigor Mortis Guitarist Mike Scaccia: Cause of Death Revealed + Memorial Show Planned

Following the tragic news over the weekend that Mike Scaccia, guitarist for both Ministry and Rigor Mortis, died after collapsing onstage during a Fort Worth, Texas, gig by the latter band, an official cause of death has been revealed.

The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that Scaccia died of a sudden heart attack brought on by heart disease, according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office. Police had responded to a call at the Rail Club at 11:45 PM on Saturday night, but Scaccia was pronounced dead at 12:26 AM early Sunday morning (Dec. 23) at the emergency room of a nearby hospital. He was 47 years old.

The show was in celebration of Rigor Mortis singer Bruce Corbitt's 50th birthday. Now, Corbitt is starting an online fundraiser for Scaccia's wife and children, as well as trying to organize a benefit show. He details his efforts in a new post on Rigor Mortis' Facebook page:

I’ve been giving the blessings to start an online Fundraiser for Mike Scaccia’s Wife Jenny and their Kids. So I will be posting the link for that soon. Also, there will possibly be a Scaccia Tribute/Benefit Show put together for them to honor Mike and also raise money to help them. It could be as soon as this coming weekend. So I will also need to know what bands are interested in being part of this or if anyone can help in any way.

I also understand that it is Christmas time and I know Mike wouldn’t want this to ruin that for anyone. He would want us all to know he went out doing what he loved doing surrounded by everyone he loved. He would want us to block this out and enjoy our Christmas with our families and loved ones. Anyway, the online Fundraiser will be up for awhile if you aren’t able to contribute anything right away. I will also post any updates on the possible Tribute show as soon as I know anything. THANKS AGAIN for all of the support that everyone has given to Mike’s family and friends.

Yesterday, Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen shared his heartfelt memories about Scaccia. Read his note on the guitarist's tragic death here.