GWAR co-founder Chuck Varga dies at 68 after cancer battle
Chuck Varga, a founding member of the shock metal band GWAR and creator of the 'Sexecutioner' character, has died at age 68 following a cancer diagnosis. Varga, who was not an original musician but was instrumental in the band's visual identity through Slave Pit Inc., passed away peacefully with his wife Bambi by his side. His death was announced by bassist Casey Orr, who praised Varga's artistic contributions. The band had launched a fundraiser and blood drive in June after Varga's diagnosis became public. Varga, who attended Virginia Commonwealth University, helped shape GWAR's grotesque aesthetic and performed lead vocals on key tracks before leaving the band in 1997 to pursue film and theater work in New York City.