Original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno’s cause of death revealed

Original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno’s cause of death has been revealed. According to an official statement on the singer’s Facebook page, the results of Di’Anno’s autopsy revealed that the 66-year-old died as a result of a tear in the sac around his heart.

“We have received permission from Paul’s family to bring you the news of Paul’s cause of death after the autopsy results are available,” the post reads. “His sisters, Cheryl and Michelle, confirmed that, ‘Basically, he had a tear in the pericardium that was letting blood from the aorta into it, causing his heart to stop.’ Paul’s death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace.”

The post also noted that a memorial show was held at Underworld Camden over the weekend, with a number of Di’Anno’s friends, fans, colleagues and family members coming together to honor him.

Di’Anno (née Paul Andrews) died at his home in Salisbury, United Kingdom. He served as lead singer of the legendary British metal group from 1978 to 1981 and also lent his punk-inspired vocals to the band’s self-titled debut in 1980, following up 1981, Murderer before longtime singer Bruce Dickinson took over. Maiden issued a statement honoring Di’Anno following his death, saying: “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di’Anno today. Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have followed as a band for almost five decades. His groundbreaking presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not only by us, but by fans around the world.”

According to an October 10 post on Di’Anno’s Facebook page, the singer was booked to perform in Edinburgh on December 30 before that show was canceled, although a series of dates in the UK in October and November still preceded his date death was planned.