The X Factor star Ben Thapa, who was a member of G4, has died, the band have confirmed.
G4 rose to fame in 2004 when they finished second on series 1 of Simon Cowell’s ITV series, with Steve Brookstein crowned champion.
At the time, Thapa was part of the line-up with bandmates Jon Ansell, Matt Stiff, and Mike Christie.
This afternoon, the band took to Instagram to express their sadness after Thapa died suddenly aged 42.
Alongside a photo of him, they wrote: ‘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…’
Their tribute continued: ‘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’, they signed off.
While Thapa’s cause of death is currently unknown, he was in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital one week ago, having shared a photo on his own Instagram page of a dialysis machine.
On August 27, he also posted a selfie from a hospital bed after a procedure with the caption: ‘Emergency nephrostomy done… hopefully the start of better things to come! #peeinabag’.
A nephrostomy is a tube that lets urine drain from the kidney through an opening in the skin on the back.
Following confirmation of his death, tributes poured in on social media.
Artist management company Steven Swales added on their website: ‘We are hugely sad to announce the death, after a short illness, of Ben Thapa. It was a huge privilege to know and work with him.
‘Ben was well known for his performances in oratorio, opera, and as a member of the vocal group G4. He will be missed by so many, and we send our thoughts to his family, friends, and colleagues.’
Fans also paid tribute, with user mcclubofficial commenting on G4’s page: ‘A complete shock and utterly heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. Love to you all. RIP Ben x’
‘So sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with Ben’s family and you all’, wrote robtonymo.
‘I’m so so sorry to hear this news. What an awful shock. Thinking of you all xx’, said cheryl_susan.
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