Imkage Source: Instagram

The music world is mourning the loss of Mark Sheehan, the guitarist with Irish pop band the Script, who passed away in hospital aged 46 after a brief illness.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Sheehan co-founded the band with Danny O'Donoghue and Glen Power in 2001 and played a key role in their success.

Imkage Source: Instagram

The Script announced the sad news on their social media pages and asked fans to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Sheehan was not just a bandmate but also a husband, father, and brother, leaving behind a grieving family and friends.

Imkage Source: Instagram

The guitarist had missed the US leg of the band's tour last year to spend time with his family, showing his dedication to his loved ones.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Sheehan's decision was respected by his bandmates who described themselves as a "band of brothers" who support each other.

Imkage Source: Instagram

The Script's self-titled debut album was a huge success, topping the charts in the UK and Ireland, and featured several hits such as Breakeven and The Man Who Can't Be Moved.

Imkage Source: Instagram

The band went on to have more UK No 1 albums than any other Irish act between 2010 and 2019, cementing their place in music history.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Mark Sheehan and Danny O'Donoghue were childhood friends who grew up in Dublin, and their musical partnership spanned many years.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Tributes have poured in from the music industry, with former Westlife singer Brian McFadden describing Sheehan as "one of the good guys".

Imkage Source: Instagram

Former Boyzone singer Mikey Graham also offered his condolences, having experienced the loss of a bandmate himself.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic remembered Sheehan as one of the nicest people he had toured with and gotten to know.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Irish culture minister Catherine Martin expressed her shock and offered her deepest sympathies to Sheehan's family and friends.

Imkage Source: Instagram

Mark Sheehan's talent, kindness, and dedication to his family and music will be sorely missed by fans and the music industry alike.