Mark Sheehan found global fame with Irish rock band The Script before he tragically passed away at the age of 46.
The musician, who was a guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer, died from a short illness on Friday.
In a statement, the band – which also includes lead singer Danny O’ Donoghue and drummer Glen Power – said: “Much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness.
“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Mark is known for being a founding member of The Script, forming the band in 2001 and going on to sell 20 million records with hits such as We Cry, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved and Hall of Fame.
But aside from his music, Mark was notoriously private when it came to his personal life.
He didn’t have public social media profiles and rarely spoke about his family to the press in interviews.
Behind the scenes Mark had a wife called Rina, who he married in 2005.
He met Rina, who hails from Texas, when they were recording in the US and she was brought in as a backing singer.
Speaking to the Mirror in a rare interview back in 2008, Mark revealed: “Rina is from Texas - we met on the road.
“I was producing and working in different studios and she was a studio session singer and backing singer.”
On the moment, he knew Rina was ‘The One’, Mark said: “We just kind of clicked in the usual way you do.
“We got married three years ago and now we have baby number one on the way.”
After tying the knot in a secret ceremony, Mark and Rina went on to have a son, Cameron, who was born in August 2008 – making him 14 years old now.
Prior to having his first child, Mark told the Mirror in the same interview that becoming a dad was more nerve-wracking than playing to thousands of fans.
He shared: “My wife has gone in to be induced and I am crapping myself to be honest with you. I’m trying to get into the nappies myself – they just don’t fit me.
“I am nervous of course – it is such a big deal.
“But I’m kind of in two whirlwinds at the moment where I am doing interviews and concerts while my wife is being induced. So you can imagine where my head is at.”
The couple later had two more children, daughters Avery and Lil, but it is not known exactly how old they are.
Following the tragic news of Mark’s passing, stars of the music world and even the Irish President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to him.
Although how Mark died has yet to be revealed, last year he missed much of the Irish band’s world tour.
His bandmate Danny said Mark’s absence was down to ‘family commitments’, adding to Sunday World: “It’s his story to tell, but his children needed a father and his wife needed a husband.
“He’s been the engine of The Script for such a long time. I told him ‘If you want to take a bit of time out for your family you are more than welcome to.
“He took a little bit of time off. You get refreshed, then you come back with a new zest for life. I believe it was the best thing that could have happened for all of us.”
The Script were due to support P!nk for the Greater Manchester, Sunderland and Birmingham dates of her tour this summer.
They were also set to be supporting Take That in London on July 1.
* Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter and Facebook .
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033
