S Club 7 star Jo O'Meara has said she is 'devastated and heartbroken' in her first message since the death of bandmate Paul Cattermole. There was an outpouring of shock and grief on Friday (April 7) after it was announced that Cattermole had died unexpectedly, aged 46.
The singer, who shot to fame as part of the seven-piece band back in 1998, was preparing for a return to the stage after the group after they announced their reunion just weeks ago.
Confirming the tragic news, Cattermole's family and his S Club 7 bandmates said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole. Paul was found yesterday, 6th April 2023 at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon."
They confirmed that there were "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding his death. The statement added: "While the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances. Paul’s family, friends and fellow members of S Club request privacy at this time."
Over the weekend, S Club 7 thanked fans for their support following the death of their bandmate. Jo, Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt and Jon Lee penned: "Thank you to all our incredible fans and friends who have shared their love for our brother Paul. In this difficult time for all of us, it gives us strength to know that he will never be forgotten."
Sharing a picture of Paul from his S Club days, the statement went on: "In lieu of flowers, Paul's family have requested that anyone who would like to can join us in making a donation in his honour to the National Youth Music Theatre, an organisation that brought Paul so much joy growing up."
Jo has since become the first to share her own personal message following the loss of Cattermole. The Bring It All Back hitmaker, 43, said she was "devastated, shocked and heartbroken" while thanking fans for their support as she shared a throwback snap of her late bandmate.
Jo wrote on social media: "I just wanted to reach out and thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for the love and kindness you have shown over the tragic passing of our sweetest soul Paul. This has been utterly devastating , and I am totally shocked and heartbroken."
She went on: "We have lost someone so incredibly special to us all , and there is a huge sense of sadness that will never go," before concluding: "Paul will forever be a huge part of our lives , and I will forever treasure the memories we made! I will love you always Paul , God bless you my darling , Rest in forever Peace Love JoJo."
The comments were quickly flooded with more messages of support with Kym Marsh writing: "Sending so much love to you all." B*Witched replied: "We are all sending you lots of luv. Thinking of everyone. RIP Paul." Former Liberty X star Kevin Simm said: "So sorry for your loss Jo." Fans also shared their messages as the comments section filled with red heart emojis.
After news of Paul’s passing broke, the band was one of the first to pay tribute, writing on Instagram: "We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul. There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel.
"We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time."
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