METAL CHURCH Frontman Mike Howe’s Death Ruled Suicide

The metal world was stunned to learn earlier this week that Metal Church vocalist Mike Howe has unfortunately passed away at the age of 55. Today, TMZ reported the death was ruled a suicide.

TMZ spoke to a spokesperson for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Dept. who noted Howe’s official cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to hanging. It is officially being ruled a suicide.

No drugs or paraphernalia were found at the scene and investigators do not feel they were a factor.

On Monday, Metal Church announced the death. “It is with our deepest regrets that we must announce the passing of our brother, our friend and true legend of heavy metal music. Mike Howe passed away this morning at his home in Eureka, California. We are devastated and at a loss for words. Please respect our privacy and the Howe family’s privacy during this most difficult time.”

Mike Howe was Metal Church‘s vocalist between 1988 and 1995, and then again between 2015 and present day.