Siva Kaneswaran has shared his own personal tribute to his The Wanted bandmate Tom Parker following his tragic death, aged 33 - 17 months after he bravely announced he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Tom's wife Kelsey confirmed the devastating news that the singer and dad-of-two had passed away on Wednesday afternoon (March 31). She said Tom, from Bolton, died surrounded by his family and bandmates after being diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma in October 2020.
His diagnosis came shortly before he and his wife Kelsey, who married in July 2018, welcomed their second child, a son named Bodhi in October 2020. They also have a daughter Aurelia who they welcomed in July 2019.
Fellow The Wanted stars Siva, Max George, Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes shared an emotional statement on social media following the news of Tom's death. It read: "Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.
"Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts. Tom Parker 1988-2022."
Siva has also since taken to Instagram to share his message alongside a grey and white photo of Tom. "Hey Tom, I hope you’re having a blast up there," the Irish singer wrote. I am so grateful that I had a chance to witness your true courage.
"It has been an absolute pleasure Tommy Boy. Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother."
He also shared the same photo to his Instagram Story and said: "Sending all my love to @being_kelsey and family. The love in the room was so special." He added: "Until I see you again you sweetheart..."
It is believed that the band were with Tom and his family as he passed away.
The band scored two number one singles and a string of top 10 hits and albums after forming in 2009. The band took an indefinite hiatus in 2014 but delighted fans by announcing in September that they were reforming and performed together for the first time in seven years at London's Royal Albert Hall for Stand Up To Cancer and The National Brain Appeal.
This was then followed by the release of a greatest hits collection and a UK arena tour. Just two weeks ago Tom joined the reunited boyband on stage at the AO Arena for the final song of the show in Manchester as he did at a string of other dates with his bandmates regularly sharing photos to their social media pages. Fans are now sharing their video from the special moment at the shows on social media.
