Lars Ratz , founder of the German power metal band Metalium, was confirmed this Sunday, the 18th. According to news reproduced by the Spanish website Metal Journal , the bassist died as a result of an ultralight aircraft accident that occurred in Vilafranca, on the island of Mallorca, Spain.
According to the news outlet, emergency professionals were dispatched to the scene of the accident, but Lars was found to have suffered multiple traumas and did not survive. The fatal accident occurred in front of the El Cruce restaurant, and the Civil Guard is investigating the possible causes of the accident.
On social media, musician and producer Chris Caffery wrote in tribute to Lars' memory. Caffery participated in Metalium for a short period in 1999 for the album Millennium Metal: Chapter One . On his Facebook page, he revealed that he had had conversations with Lars Ratz and vocalist Henning Basse about the possibility of a reunion, stating that he began writing songs with that moment in mind.
“I am shocked and saddened to have just received the sad news that Lars Ratz died today in a small plane crash,” Caffery wrote. “Lars loved taking risks. He kind of lived a very heavy metal life in many ways. He loved being a pilot. Now he can take some of my friends who are in heaven on some of his flights. Fly with the angels, my friend.” Check out the list of friends who also paid tribute to Lars.
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