Irish rock band The Script confirmed that guitarist and co-founder Mark Sheehan has died caused by an undisclosed illness.
He was 46.
The band officially broke the news on their social media pages, early Saturday morning, April 15, 2023 (PHT).
"Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness," the caption read.
"The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time."
Mark reportedly missed several scheduled concerts with the group in 2021 and 2022.
In an interview with Sunday World in 2022, The Script's frontman and keyboardist, Danny O'Donoghue, stated that the guitarist's absence was due to family commitments.
"It’s his story to tell, but yeah, I guess if I could paraphrase, his children needed a father, and his wife needed a husband," Danny shared.
TRIBUTES
Since Mark's tragic passing, tributes for the skilled musician have poured in from the president of Ireland, to fellow artists and dedicated fans of the group.
A portion of President Michael D. Higgins' statement read: "It was a mark of the originality and excellence that Mark and his bandmates in The Script sought that they saw such success across the world...
"Through their music, Mark and The Script have played an outstanding part in continuing and promoting this proud tradition of Irish musical success across the world...
"While Mark will be missed by so many, it is his family who will of course experience the greatest loss.
"May I extend my deepest sympathies to Mark’s wife Rina, to his children Cameron, Avery and Lil, to his bandmates in The Script, and to all his family and friends."
Meanwhile, frontman of American pop rock band OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder, wrote on Twitter, "This was one of the nicest most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure of touring with and getting to know.
"Mark u will be missed."
Irish rock band Kodaline posted, "So sorry to hear the passing of Mark Sheehan!
"We had the great fortune of getting to spend time in his company over the years and was always such a lovely man!
"Deepest condolences to his family and his @thescript brothers."
Boyzone member Mikey Graham said in his tweet, "Today we lost another young legend of music in Mark Sheehan of The Script.
"I can and do understand the pain Glen & Danny are feeling right now and also their families.
"All my love and support I offer you at this time.
"You gave the world your music,It will carry you home Mark."
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"No words to speak just lyrics going round & round in my head. What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you.
"I love you Mark Sheehan always and forever. Draw a circle in the sand on a rainy day.. I kid you not it started raining after this."
"I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock. We have lost a legend. All my love goes to Marks family and the lads. RIP Mark Sheehan."
"The memories will live on in all of our hearts! Your music will help to heal us in time! You kindness will never be forgotten!
"One of the kindest, funniest, most genuine I’ve ever had the privilege to meet! RIP Mark Sheehan."
"My heart is heavy and my jaw is on the floor. Rest in power, Mark Sheehan. I am so blessed to have met you and saw you perform live.
"My mum got me the first @thescript album for my 16th birthday in 2008. Its been almost half my lifetime. Thinking of your family and band mates."
The Script was formed in 2001 in Dublin, by three best friends Mark, Danny, and drummer Glen Power, who grew up with each other.
Together, they have sold more than 20 million records worldwide, and have won several accolades in categories such as Best Album, Best Live Performance and Song of the Year.
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