Ministry bassist Paul Raven was found dead Saturday (10/20) in a private home in a small French village on the Swiss border, and is believed to have died from a heart attack, according to a press release. He was 46.

"I am in total shock," Ministry principal Al Jourgensen said in a prepared statement. "The world of music is a sadder, emptier place. Not only was Raven an extraordinary talent, but one of my closest dearest friends. Our condolences and prayers go to his immediate family. He will be truly missed by artists, musicians and his fans the world over.

Raven, known also for his work with Killing Joke and Prong, was in Geneva working with French recording artists Treponem Pal, along with Marco Neves, Ted Parsons (Prong) and members of The Young Gods. His newest project, Mob Research--featuring members of Warrior Soul and The Mission UK--has a debut album scheduled for release on Jourgensen's 13th Planet Records next year. The set was in the final mixing and mastering stages at the time of Raven's death.

A memorial dedicated to Raven's life and art can be found at 13th Planet's website.