AceShowbiz -

Mike Scaccia of metal band Ministry died on Sunday, December 23 after collapsing on stage. The cause of death is still not officially announced but The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the 47-year-old suffered from seizure induced by strobe lights on stage. He had asked the lights to be turned off.

Scaccia was performing at the Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of a 50th birthday celebration for Rigor Mortis singer Bruce Corbitt. He allegedly collapsed during his guitar solo and was rushed to hospital. He was later pronounced dead at 12:26 A.M. in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

A friend named Susan Roden said she saw him in the green room right before the band went onstage. "He was in great spirits. I know that," she said.

Ministry has addressed their member's death on their official Facebook page, writing "MICHAEL RALPH SCACCIA ...Our Dearest Friend. We love you. We miss you. God Rest Your Precious Soul. We cannot fathom this loss." Corbitt himself wrote, "My brother is gone! The only reason I am who I am is because of this man. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't even be in a band. RIP Mike Scaccia! The greatest guitar player I ever knew!"

Scaccia was in Rigor Mortis before Ministry and had played with other bands such as Revolting Cocks, League of Blind Women and Lard. Ministry released their latest album, "Relapse", in March this year.

Scaccia is survived by his wife Jenny Rowen Scaccia, with whom he has two young children, and daughters Sarah Scaccia and Taarna Scaccia Hopkins. "I love you so much dad. I love you so much," Sarah wrote on Facebook a few hours after his death.