UPDATE: There is a statement from the band’s manager below.

Incredibly shocking news has hit the internet as it’s being reported and apparently confirmed that Dave Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus of GWAR, has been found dead in his home at age 50. No cause of death has yet been released.

I’m in complete disbelief. I interviewed Oderus just a few months ago when I saw them play in Harpos. He was hilarious, vivid, and full of life. He was impatient at the time it was taking to set up the recording equipment. I watched as he beat the unholy hell out of some crazed fan who climbed up onto the stage (who had been given several warnings).

I can’t even imagine what is happening within the GWAR camp right now. I send my deepest condolences to his friends and family, as well as the fans of GWAR. This is a horrible day for metal.

Dave, you brought more humor and theatricality to metal in one show than most bands did their entire career. Rest in peace, sir. You will be missed.

Below is one of Brockie’s last tweets as well as a statement from Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe.

Jack Flanagan, manager of GWAR has issued an official statement:

“It is with a saddened heart, that I confirm my dear friend Dave Brockie, artist, musician, and lead singer of GWAR passed away at approximately 6:50 PM EST Sunday March 23, 2014. His body was found Sunday by his band mate at his home in Richmond, VA. Richmond authorities have confirmed his death and next of kin has been notified. A full autopsy will be performed. He was 50 years old, born August 30, 1963.

My main focus right now is to look after my band mates and his family. More information regarding his death shall be released as the details are confirmed.”

Blythe wrote via his Instagram: “I got a very sad call tonight from my buddy Chris Bopst, who was one of the original members of GWAR. My friend Dave Brockie, a.k.a. Oderus Urungus, the singer of GWAR, has left the building and taken off back to his home planet. He was 50 years old.

“I do not know details of why he died yet, just that he passed away at home and his roommates found him.

“When someone dies, a lot of the time people will say, ‘Oh, he was a unique person, really one of a kind, a true original.’ Most of these people no idea of what they are talking about; they obviously had never met Dave.”