GWAR-tarist Cory Smoot, best known for his character Flattus Maximus, was found dead on the band’s tour bus On November 3, 2012 at age 34.  The details of his death have been publicly revealed.

GWAR is a satirical heavy metal band, decked out in costumes that could be seen in a low-budget sci-fi thriller.  Cory Smoot played the persona of Flattus Maximus for over ten years and is celebrated for his immensely skillful playing.  About a month ago, Dave Brockie announced that Flattus Maximus will be retired out of respect to Smoot.  The band has not released any announcements regarding the integration of a new GWAR-tarist.

Slave Pit Inc, the band’s art and special effects studio, along with the Smoot family, released a statement about the official cause of death of Cory Smoot.  As stated by the coroner of the autopsy, William Messelo, 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.”

As mentioned in a previous story, the band has set up the Smoot Family Foundation since his untimely death.  All proceeds work towards raising funds to support Smoot’s wife Jaime and their unborn child.  Donations can be made here.

Come January 7, 2012, there will be a record release show at The Canal Club in Richmond, VA to celebrate Cory’s solo record, When Worlds Collide. Fortunately, he had just completed the record prior to his death and all proceeds from the record will go directly to the Smoot Family Fund.

Cory Smoot will be remembered as a good man and an unbelievable guitarist who died too early.