Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul's Cause of Death Revealed | Revolver

Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul's Cause of Death Revealed

Las Vegas coroner confirms Paul died of natural causes related to heart condition
vinnie-paul-scott-legatogetty-images.jpg, Scott Legato / Getty
photograph by Scott Legato / Getty

Pantera co-founder and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott's official cause of death has been revealed as dilated cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart, by Clark County Nevada coroner John Fudenberg, reports Las Vegas' KTNV. The disease causes a continued weakening of the heart muscle that progresses over time, leading to an inability of the ventricles to efficiently pump blood. Paul also suffered severe coronary disease, a condition limiting blood flow to and from the heart. 

Paul passed away in his sleep on June 22nd at his Las Vegas home at 54 years old. He was buried alongside his brother, Pantera guitarist Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott and his mother Carolyn at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Texas. Both Abbott brothers were buried in Kiss-themed caskets, sharing their love for the band in life and death. 

Paul spent his final years playing drums in the hard-rock band Hellyeah, who released their last LP Undeniable in 2016 and were reported to be working with producer Kevin Churko for the follow-up. The official Pantera and Hellyeah Facebook pages both shared updates concerning cause of death and asking for the continued respect for the family's privacy at this time.