The frontman for the costume-clad “extraterrestrial” metal band Gwar died of an accidental heroin overdose, the Virginia coroner’s office told local media Tuesday.

According to a statement from the band, David Brockie, 50, was found dead in his Richmond home March 23. Brockie died from “acute heroin toxicity and the manner of death is accident,” Arkuie Williams, administrator of the medical examiner’s office, said in an e-mail.

Formed in 1984, the Grammy-nominated band rose to fame in part because of its elaborate, over-the-top and grotesque costumes and showmanship. The band had regular appearences on the popular TV show “Beavis and Butthead” and had a cameo in the 1995 film “Empire Records.”

Gwar released its most recent album, “Battle Maximus,” in September.

The band also established the Dave Brockie fund, which promotes the advancement of music and performance in the arts, encouraging promising talents who have trouble with funding through mainstream channels, according to the web site.

Gwar manager Jack Flanagan could not be reached for comment.