Scott Mitchell Putesky, co-founder of Marilyn Manson as their original guitarist and chief songwriter died yesterday after a four year battle with colon cancer. A message on Facebook from his former bandmate in Jack Off Jill and close friend Jessica Adams confirmed his passing.

Berkowitz co-founded the pre-Marilyn Manson band The Spooky Kids, wrote and played on the first three seminal Marilyn Manson releases, solo efforts, several albums with Jack Off Jill, and Three Ton Gate.

We send our condolences to Scott’s family, friends and fans at this time.