Nick Menza, the longtime drummer of Megadeth, died Saturday after collapsing on stage during a concert in Los Angeles. He was 51 years old.
According to a statement issued by his management, “Earliest reports indicate [Menza] suffered a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital.”
Menza was a member of Megadeth between 1989 and 1998, appearing on such albums as 1990’s Rust in Peace, 1992’s Countdown to Extinction, and 1994’s Youthanasia.
Megadeth co-founder Dave Mustaine responded to news of Menza’s death, writing on Twitter, “Tell me this isn’t true!” Meanwhile, former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman said in a statement, “We all know 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.”
Watch footage from Menza’s time in Megadeth:
