The passing of GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot (aka Flattus Maximus) is still a shock to everyone in the metal community. And today, a little more than one month later, an autopsy has been completed and an official cause of death has been revealed.

An official statement from the band included the following from North Dakota coroner William Masselo, MD:

“We have finalized the autopsy report and death certificate. I have determined that Cory died from a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease.”

Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), is the narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. And according to the coroner, Smoot’s CHD caused a blood clot (thrombosis) to form.

Our condolences once again to Smoot’s family and band mates in GWAR, who will continue as a four piece until the end of their European tour while also officially retiring the character Flattus Maximus. We also urge those who wish to help Smoot’s wife and family to donate to the Smoot Family Fund.