One of the more shocking and tragic deaths of 2016 came in May when drummer Nick Menza died while performing onstage at Los Angeles' Baked Potato club. TMZ reports that the official death certificate concerning the late former Megadeth drummer has been filed and that the cause of death is listed as heart disease and blood pressure.

Menza's mother Rose filed the death certificate in probate court as she was also filing legal documents to be named the administrator of his estate. That would mean that she would collect any royalties that are owed to Menza.

The drummer served multiple stints in the band, first appearing on the band's Rust in Peace album in 1990. He continued through 2000 before exiting the band, but returned again briefly in 2004. At the time of his passing, he was playing with his band OHM.

Speaking about Menza's death, Dave Mustaine said in a statement that the phrases "shocked, devastated and saddened" didn't begin to describe his feelings. He would also add, "We, like all brothers, would disagree at times, but our bond was strong throughout. 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. There were several times we discussed him coming back to the band, but for various reasons it never came together. We’ve been in touch all along, he had come out to our shows recently, and he had remained a great friend, a true professional and a larger than life personality."

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