Former Megadeth drummer dies after collapsing on stage in Studio City

STUDIO CITY (CNS / FOX 11) - Nick Menza, ex-drummer for the metal band Megadeth, collapsed on stage Saturday during a performance with his progressive jazz trio at a Studio City club and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The body was still at an area hospital, according to Capt. John Kades of the coroner's office.

Police were not dispatched to the Baked Potato at 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., where Menza, 51, had been performing with his latest band OHM sometime Saturday night and collapsed, according to a police officer at the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood station.

The drummer appeared to suffer a massive heart attack and friends and audience members rendered aid while paramedics were called, according to news outlets.

Menza had been Megadeth's longest-serving drummer, working with the band for nine years, including on their 1990 landmark song "Rust in Peace."

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