A coroner’s report into the death of Vinnie Paul has determined that the Pantera drummer died of a heart condition. Paul was found dead in his Las Vegas home June 22nd at the age of 54.  According to the Clark County Coroner’s Office, Paul suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition which restricts the heart’s ability to pump blood, as well as severe coronary artery disease.  “Vincent Paul Abbott died from natural causes, specifically, dilated cardiomyopathy,” a rep for the musician said in a statement. “Severe coronary artery disease was identified as a significant condition to the cause of death according to the official report submitted by the Clark County Coroner’s office. We ask that you please continue to respect the privacy of the family and friends of Vinnie Paul. No further statement will be issued.”  Authorities previously said that Paul’s death “did not appear suspicious” and that he was “medically deceased” when police arrived at his Las Vegas home. While it was initially reported that the drummer suffered a massive heart attack, a Clark County spokesperson said the cause of death was “still pending.”

Paul, born Vincent Abbott, was the brother of Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, who was shot and killed by a deranged fan during a Damageplan concert in December 2004. A private funeral for Paul took place June 30th in his native Texas, where he was buried (in a Kiss coffin) alongside his late brother and mother.  In the days following Paul’s death, the heavy metal community paid tribute to the Pantera and Damageplan co-founder.  “Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away,” Pantera informed fans of the drummer’s death. “Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time.”  At the time of his death, Paul played drums in the metal supergroup Hellyeah, featuring members of Mudvayne and Nothingface.