Irish pop-rock band The Script has confirmed the death of guitarist and founding member Mark Sheehan at age 46.
"Much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away on Saturday in hospital after a brief illness," the band said in a statement.
"The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time."
Sheehan founded The Script in 2001 alongside lead vocalist Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power.
In 2008, the band released their breakthrough self-titled album, which was certified Platinum in Australia, selling over 70,000 units and 4x platinum in the UK, selling over 1,200,000 units.
The album's lead single Breakeven peaked at #3 on the ARIA charts.
The Script released five more albums between 2010 and 2019 with their most recent record a greatest hits compilation, which they spent a chunk of 2022 touring around the world.
In May 2022, vocalist Danny O'Donoghue confirmed to Irish outlet Sunday World that Sheehan had taken time off from their American greatest hits tour dates to spend time with his family – wife Rina Sheehan and their three children.
Sheehan returned to shows in Ireland later in the year.
The band is slated to support pop artist Pink on several UK and Europe dates of her Summer Carnival tour, no announcement has been made if this will change post Sheehan's death.
Many UK and Irish industry figures have come out to pay their respects to Sheehan and his impact on the Irish music scene.
"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," said former Boyzone member Mikey Graham.
Irish pop star and former member of Westlife, Brian McFadden said it was, "devastating news'.
OneRepublic vocalist Ryan Tedder, who shared a summer tour with The Script in 2013, said that Sheehan was one of the "nicest, most genuine people I've ever had the pleasure of touring with and getting to know".
Conor Donohoe of the band Wild Youth, who are Ireland's delegate for the 2023 Eurovision song contest, thanked Sheehan for his professional support.
"Mark helped me become who I am today, he believed in me and Wild Youth more then we did ourselves. And gave us all the time in the world. I'm so honoured to have known you," Donohoe said.
Irish minister for culture and arts Catherine Martin mourned Sheehan's sudden loss.
"News of the sudden loss of Mark Sheehan is a great shock to music lovers everywhere and to The Script's legions of fans around the world," she said.
"My deepest condolences to his family, fellow band members and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
