It is with terrible sadness that Hot Press has learnt of the passing of The Script's Mark Sheehan, aged 46.

His group announced his death via the band's Twitter page this evening (Friday 14 April), noting he died "in hospital after a brief illness".

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. pic.twitter.com/6HaShCk8l4

— the script (@thescript) April 14, 2023

Sheehan, as well as being The Script's lead guitarist, was also a noted songwriter and producer. Having formed the band alongside Danny O'Donoghue and Glen Power in 2001, The Script went on to record six studio albums, picking up several Meteor Awards and two Brit nominations along the way.

Having taken a step back from some live performances in 2022 to spend time with his family, the news has come as a great shock to the entire music community.

Artists and fans have been expressing their sympathy and sadness online following the announcement with Imelda May, Kodaline, Joan Armatrading and Wild Youth's Conor Donoghue all offering their tributes.

I’m in shock. An old comrade and fellow proud Liberties child has gone.
What a talented, funny, sound, calm, down to earth, really lovely human
Mark was. Truly awful news.
I send huge love to his family, friends and band family Glen and Danny.#ripmark https://t.co/RzQO7Eerun

— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) April 14, 2023

So sorry to hear the passing of Mark Sheehan! 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

— Kodaline (@Kodaline) April 14, 2023

I love the The Scripts. I'm so sad to head of the passing of their lead guitarist Mark Sheehan. R.I.P Mark

— Joan Armatrading (@ArmatradingJoan) April 14, 2023

I’m truely heartbroken, mark helped me become who I am today, he believed in me and Wild Youth more then we did ourselves. And gave us all the time in the world. I’m so honoured to have known you. Sending all my Love to Danny and Glen, marks family and all the script family ❤️ https://t.co/UDIVZn3qC9

— Conor 🫶🏽 Donohoe (@Conor_O_Donohoe) April 14, 2023

All at Hot Press offer our condolences to Mark's family, friends and fans.