Paul Di'Anno passed away last month at the age of 66, and the former Iron Maiden singer's family has revealed his cause of death in a statement posted to Facebook.
"Dear fans and friends, we have received permission from Paul’s family to bring you the news of Paul’s cause of death, after the results of the autopsy have been received," the statement reads. "His sisters Cheryl and Michelle confirmed the following: ‘Basically he had a tear in the sac around the heart and blood has filled inside it from the main aorta artery and that has caused the heart to stop.’ Paul’s death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace."
"This weekend, an In Memoriam show was held at Underworld Camden, where many of Paul’s fans, friends, colleagues and family members came," it contuned. "With a magnificent musical set, his musical colleagues said a worthy farewell to their friend."
Di'Anno fronted Iron Maiden from 1978-1981 and is featured on the band's first two albums. He went on to release solo music, and was also a member of several other metal bands including Gogmagog, Di'Anno's Battlezone, Paul Di'Anno's Killers, Rockfellas, and Warhorse.
You can read the full statement below.