Metal Church released a statement after the news surfaced earlier today via TMZ that frontman Mike Howe's death earlier this week 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.
Metal Church collectively released this statement to Blabbermouth:
“If you knew Mike Howe, then you knew he was a truly good human being who loved his friends, his family and his many fans around the world. He would always go the extra mile to make someone feel good and he would always give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. We ask that you remember Mike in that way and for the amazing metal music he created.
“As to what really happened? He was victimized by a failing health-care system and subsequently poisoned by the venom of Big Pharma. In short and in essence, he fell prey to the real ‘Fake Healer’…enough said. #truth
“Godspeed Mike Howe, WE LOVE YOU!!!”
This poses some new questions – what was Mike getting prescriptions for? Was it a mental issue or whas it a physical ailment that resulted in some drug dependency? The band obviously did not go into detail. Ultimately, the band is grieving and we offer them the respect and privacy to do so.
Mike Howe was Metal Church's vocalist between 1988 and 1995, and then again between 2015 and present day.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. You can visit the website for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 800-273-8255.
