The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan has died aged 46 following a short illness, his band has announced.
A statement from the band, known for hits such as Man Who Can't Be Moved, Superheroes, Hall of Fame, 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."
Before joining The Script, Mark was a former member of the band MyTown, along with bandmate Danny O' Donoghue. The band formed in 2001, alongside drummer Glen Power.
The trio have sold millions of albums and, received two Brit nominations and three Meteor Ireland Music Awards, and two World Music Awards.
Last year it was reported that Mark, a dad of three, had not played with Danny and Glen for months during the Irish band's world tour.
Last May, Danny confirmed Mark had missed shows in America because of family commitments.
He told 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.
"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."
The band were scheduled to perform in June as they are the supporting act for P!nk for the Greater Manchester, Sunderland and Birmingham dates of her tour.
Meanwhile, the group were also set to be supporting Take That in London on July 1.
The Script first formed in 2001, with Mark being one of the group's founding members.
Mark, Danny and Glen moved to London after signing with Sony Label Group and released their debut self-titled album in 2008.
Iconic tracks from the album include We Cry, The Man Who Can't Be Moved, Breakeven and Before the Worst. The album peaked at the number one spot in the UK and Ireland.
Irish president Michael D Higgins lead tributes to Mark, saying this evening: “All those who knew Mark Sheehan, and those millions more who enjoyed and appreciated his music, will have been deeply shocked to hear of his too-early death.
He went on: “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."
Fellow Irish band Kodaline described Mark as "such a lovely man", writing on Twitter: “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.”
In statement posted on Instagram, Irish presenter Laura Whitmore wrote: “Thinking of you all at this time.
“Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet.”
In their own Instagram tribute, Irish pop duo Jedward said: “Everyone in the Irish music industry and worldwide mourn your loss RIP Mark such a talented musician from The Script one of the most iconic Irish groups of our generation.”
