THE guitarist of the Irish band The Script has died in hospital after a short illness.
The band confirmed musician Mark Sheehan's death this evening.
The Dublin based rock group said Mark passed away after a short illness.
They said: "Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate 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."
Devastated fans from across the globe have begun paying tributes to the talented musician.
Mark was co-founder of The Script back in 2001, but worked in music for years before with pal Danny O'Donoghue.
Mark and singer Danny were best friends since the age of 12, and were originally part of boy band Mytown, which formed back in 1996.
The pair later recruited drummer Glen Power, who had played since he was eight, for their new band The Script.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry, with the Official Charts chiefs saying: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan, who has sadly died aged 46."
Mark was dad-of-three and spent most of his time in the US with his wife Rina, whom he married when he was 25.
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The couple had their first child, son Cameron 18 years ago, and have two other young children, Avery, and Lil.
Danny told last year how Mark had taken time out to be with his family – and he and Glen took on the American leg of their tour.
Danny told the Sunday World: "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.
"He's been the engine of The Script for such a long time, [I told him] that 'if you want to take a bit of time out for your family you are more than welcome to, and I insist on you going and doing it'.
TOUR TIME OFF
"He took a little bit of time off. You get refreshed, then you come back with a new zest for life. And I believe it was the best thing that could have happened for all of us.
"Me and Glen had to get on with it in the meantime. We did the American leg without him, but the second we all get back in the room again for the Irish tour you just sit there and you go 'there's the f***in' magic!'"
The Script have sold over 20 million albums, with huge hits in songs such as The Man Who Can’t be Moved, For The First Time, We Cry and Hall of Fame.
The band had been due to kick off a major European tour supporting Pink this June.
Announcing the slot in January, the band said: "We’re excited to announce that we’re heading out on tour with @pink for her Summer Carnival shows later this year! This is gonna be EPIC. We can’t wait to see some of #TheScriptFamily there! Tickets on sale now, so grab one quick."
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