X Factor star and G4 band member Ben Thapa has died aged 42.
Emotional tributes have poured in for the ‘great friend and amazing man’ after his ‘sudden’ death was announced on Monday.
The cause of death is currently unknown. The tenor revealed he was in hospital last week after he shared a photo on his Instagram of a dialysis machine.
Prior to his sad passing, Ben revealed he underwent a nephrostomy in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on August 27 and said it was ‘hopefully the start of better things to come’.
A nephrostomy is a tube that lets urine drain from the kidney through an opening in the skin on the back.
X Factor star and G4 band member Ben Thapa has died aged 42
The singer was a part of the band G4 and appeared in the competition in 2005 with bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff
Prior to his sad passing, Ben revealed he underwent a nephrostomy in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on August 27 and said it was ‘hopefully the start of better things to come’
He wrote on Instagram: ‘Emergency nephrostomy done… hopefully the start of better things to come! #peeinabag’
On July 9, Ben also hinted at another health scare as he shared a photo of an IV drip in his hand, but didn’t disclose why.
The singer was a part of the band G4 and appeared in the competition in 2005 with bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff.
The group’s Instagram account revealed the devastating news with a saddened posts alongside pictures of Ben.
It read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and great friend, Ben Thapa.
‘Words cannot express how we all feel right now… We understand that this will be heartbreaking news for so many others too and we send you our love and support as we all remember the amazing man and memories that he has left behind.
‘Ben has been such a major part of the international singing community and he was a critical part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love at this difficult time.
‘RIP Ben xxxx’
On July 9, Ben also hinted at another health scare as he shared a photo of an IV drip in his hand, but didn’t disclose why
The group’s Instagram account revealed the devastating news with a saddened posts alongside pictures of Ben
After G4 posted the devastating news, fans flocked to the comments to share heartfelt tributes about Ben
The singer was a part of the band G4 and appeared in the competition in 2005 (Ben pictured centre left with bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff)
The cause of death is currently unknown. The tenor revealed he was in hospital last week after he shared a photo on his Instagram of a dialysis machine
Emotional tributes have poured in for the ‘great friend and amazing man’ after his ‘sudden’ death was announced on Monday (the band pictured with Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh)
Just last month, Ben posted happy selfies while sipping cocktails at a football match in Hove
Just last month, Ben posted happy selfies while sipping cocktails at a football match in Hove.
After G4 posted the devastating news, fans flocked to the comments to share heartfelt tributes about Ben.
Some wrote: ‘A complete shock and utterly heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. Love to you all. RIP Ben x’,
‘I’m so so sorry to hear this news. What an awful shock. Thinking of you all xx’,
‘Such a shock. Such a nice guy too. Thoughts are with all who knew him’,
‘So so sorry to hear such sad news. Sending love to you all ❤️’,
‘So sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with Ben’s family and you all.’,
‘You will always remain in our hearts. Thank you for all the beautiful moments you gave us and for all the music of the heart’.
G4 rose to fame in 2004 when they finished second on series one of the X Factor. Steve Brookstein crowned champion
After G4’s success on X Factor, the group disbanded in 2007 and cited disagreements between members
In 2014, the band reunited to mark their 10-year anniversary and performed numerous shows around the country. They released an album for Christmas in 2015
G4 rose to fame in 2004 when they finished second on series one of the X Factor. Steve Brookstein crowned champion.
After G4’s success on X Factor, the group disbanded in 2007 and cited disagreements between members.
In 2014, the band reunited to mark their 10-year anniversary and performed numerous shows around the country.
They released an album for Christmas in 2015.
The band currently consists of original members tenor Ansell and baritone Christie, with Jai McDowall joining after Lewis Raines left in 2023.