It may not have been a heart attack:
http://www.examiner.com/article/mike-scaccia-dies-at-44-cause-of-death-strobe-light-induced-seizure
Who dies of a seizure? I’ve heard of death related to seizure like they stop breathing and what not but I don’t think a seizure can kill. maybe the seizure induced the heart attack… Whatever it all sucks.
Late,
grmpysmrf
holy shit. wow. sad.
my condolences to his family and friends.
From what I’ve seen reported, he asked for them to stop using the strobes between songs and then a little while later had a seizure and couldn’t be revived. No idea what happened biologically, but regardless it’s too young to die and it seems sadder since he’d had such a troubled past with certain substances and seemed to have made it through.
Cliche though it may sound, I guess at least he went out doing what he loved. I met Mike once, on the 2003 Ministry tour. I was lucky enough to get backstage. Spent most of the time talking to Paul, but Mike was there as well. Didn’t really talk to him much - Mike was hugely talented, but what do you say to the guitar player of the band you wish would stop using guitar. But what really stuck with me was his new tattoo. I guess he and Al went out and got inked before the show. Mike’s was a guitar ramming itself into his arm vein. I usually find tattoos fairly silly, but that struck me as an incredible devotion to what he loved doing and did well. Really sad to hear.
I have no doubts that Al truly cared for him and Mike for Al. Throughout the past few years, Mike seems to be the only member of the Ministry camp that didn’t bail on Al because of you-know-who. Other that the unfortunate bust in the mid 90’s, he’s stuck it out through thick and thin, good treatment and bad.
And I also read that someone stole the camera that was taping the show during all the confusion. Ugh. I’m sure it will end up on YouTube or something, but I wish they’d just give it back. Don’t need to see it.
I’m sure al will be retired for real now. I hate to even think this let alone write it but how does mike drop before al? Fucked up.
Late,
grmpysmrf
Wouldn’t surprise me if Al retired. And it’s because the good ones die first.
And I also read that someone stole the camera that was taping the show during all the confusion. Ugh. I’m sure it will end up on YouTube or something, but I wish they’d just give it back. Don’t need to see it.
I admit I’ve to watch it to see if it was legit but it would probably scar me, even though I’ve seen people on wrestling fake heart attacks. Sad day.
it seems sadder since he’d had such a troubled past with certain substances and seemed to have made it through.
Mike Beats most of his demons including heroin and he’s taken out by some fucking lights!! is that even irony? or does it just skip right to fucked up!
I also read that someone stole the camera that was taping the show during all the confusion.
I’m sure it will end up on the gore gallery or rotten.com or whatever name that fucked up website is calling itself these days. HORRIBLE thought. Dying is already deeply personal and now some fucktard is probably gonna throw that up for everyone to gawk at. Horrible thought.
Late,
grmpysmrf
RIP Mike. My heart goes out to his family. It’s always hard to lose a husband and father, especially during the holidays.
The strobe light thing might be inaccurate, per Bruce’s Facebook:
Please everyone… I know there has been so many rumors and reasons that Mike passed away. This stuff about strobe lights is totally false. I wanted to wait for the official cause of death to be released. But I already knew when it happened. Here is the official word… RIP Mike Scaccia. SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH Due to: ATHEROSCLEROTIC AND HYPERTENSIVE HEART DISEASE
Also, it did make the front page of MSN, but with a pic of Raven instead of Mike.
Also, it did make the front page of MSN, but with a pic of Raven instead of Mike.
they fixed that by the time I saw it.
Late,
grmpysmrf
This is sad news 
My heart goes out to his friends and family. He was a great guitarist and will be missed.
[b]MIKE SCACCIA: Official Cause Of Death Revealed
Benefit Concert Planned
[/b] RIGOR MORTIS frontman Bruce Corbitt has announced plans to start an online fundraiser for the family of the band’s guitarist, Mike Scaccia, who died this past Saturday night (December 22) while performing with RIGOR MORTIS at The Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas at Corbitt’s 50th-birthday celebration. Bruce states: "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. "
He adds: “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.”
Scaccia, who is also known for his work with MINISTRY and the REVOLTING COCKS, died of a sudden heart attack brought on by a heart disease (official cause of death: atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease), according to the Tarrant County medical examiner’s office. Officials ruled it a natural death. He was 47 years old.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, police responded to a call from the club at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, and Sciacca was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.
His daughter Sarah posted a message on his Facebook page at 3 a.m. Dallas time on Sunday, saying, “I love you so much dad. I love you so much.”
Mike is survived by his wife Jenny Rowen Scaccia, with whom he has two toddlers, and daughters Sarah Scaccia and Taarna Scaccia Hopkins.
RiP Mike. The whole band was solid and you were a real highlight of the show we saw in Chicago this summer.
I lost a relative earlier this year to the widowmaker heart attack, who was only 48 just a month shy of 49. It shouldn’t have been a shock as he still ate whatever he wanted, but at the same time losing weight exercising. The people you leave behind miss you all the time.
My condolences to Mikey’s family, friends, and fans. 47 is far too young and with little ones at home too.
Even the most athletic, healthy person cannot be beat their family genetics.
Example: There was a case where an Olympic skater dropped dead of a heart attack several years back. Turns out his father died young also.
The official memorial for MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitarist Mike Scaccia will be held on Sunday, December 30 at 3:00 p.m. at Aristide Event Center in Mansfield, Texas. The event is open to the public.
Aristide Event Center
570 North Walnut Creek Drive
Mansfield, TX 76063
[:(]
If anyone would like to show appreciation to Scaccia, please do so by helping his wife and children. Thank you.
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/4PRR9?psid=1bdcf9c02ff44a978a2000cd1af14c02
If anyone would like to show appreciation to Scaccia, please do so by helping his wife and children. Thank you.
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/4PRR9?psid=1bdcf9c02ff44a978a2000cd1af14c02
Thanks brother!!
Late,
grmpysmrf
His daughter Sarah posted a message on his Facebook page at 3 a.m. Dallas time on Sunday, saying, “I love you so much dad. I love you so much.”
That is the most heartbreaking thing I have read in a long time.
Im very sad about Mike he was a friend and super nice and kind person and an amazing guitar player he will be missed!!
I just saw mike twice in June. He was looking good and playing great. Wanted to get his autograph on psalm 69 cd but he left the guitar store (true tone music in Santa Monica) before I could get back there with it. He was doing an in store clinic
Anyway, this news pisses me off and I’m sad. I’ve been listening to his music for 20 years. 47 is way too young and that must be traumatizing for whoever was in attendance at the show in Texas.
anyway, just wanted to share my bummed out grief.
[b]GWAR Frontman Pays Tribute To MIKE SCACCIA
[/b] GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (a.k.a. Oderus Urungus) has posted the following message regarding the passing of MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitarist Mike Scaccia:
"The metal and music world in general lost a true legend this past week after the unexpected death of MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitar player Mike Scaccia. Mike collapsed during a RIGOR MORTIS gig in Dallas and never regained consciousness.
"We are stunned by this terrible, gut-wrenching event that unfortunately we are all-too-familiar with, having lost our brother, Cory Smoot, a little over a year ago. Our hearts go out to Mike’s family and friends.
"Mike was a friend of ours and practically a brother to our longtime bass player, Casey Orr. He had tried to get Mike to play for GWAR a couple of times and Mike was always smart enough to turn him down. I completely understand why someone wouldn’t want to subject themselves to what we go through, but still I always wondered what GWAR would have sounded like with Mike. But then we found Cory… then lost Cory… Ain’t life a fucking bitch.
"If there is one thing I have realized in this last year, it’s that the life we are given is incredibly precious and can be snatched away from us at any moment. You have to savor every drop and get every molecule of sweetness you can…and you have to protect and cherish all of your loved ones with every bit of strength your heart can muster. An easy task? No. But in order to give life meaning, it is one we must essay, endure, and triumph over.
"I don’t think many would argue that Mike’s trademark guitar sound jumpstarted MINISTRY and forged some of the most memorable sounds that legendary band ever created. The hugeness of MINISTRY made many miss Mike’s groundbreaking work with RIGOR MORTIS, one of the seminal thrash metal acts to ever spurn the face of this bloody clod we call Earth. He was, quite simply, a guitar God.
"The GWAR family grieves deeply with the many friends, fans, and family that Mike left behind.
“Again our hearts go out to all who are suffering through this incredible loss, and I ask the GWAR family to help, if they can.”