The Script co-founder and guitarist Mark Sheehan has died at just 46 years old. According to a brief statement shared by his family, he passed away on Friday following a “brief illness.”
Taking to Twitter, his family said: “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.”
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
Though the statement mentions a “brief illness,” the actual cause of death remains unknown. Commenting on the post, people said things like:
“I always want to listen to “If you could see me now” whenever I have The Script on my playlist. RIP Mark. You will always be remembered.”
“OH NO… praying for you guys… ya’ll were one of the best in-studio interviews I have ever had… I am so sorry…”
“He was genuinely a lovely man. Always a pleasure to talk to. So sorry to hear this news. Sending love to band and family.”
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“I’m so sorry to hear this. Mark was always fun to be around. Always looked forward to chatting with the three of you.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss…sending you all and Mark’s friends and family lots of love. 🙏🖤”
“Mark, you will be so missed by so many. My thoughts go out to your wife and children and to your family and friends. I would say rest in peace but I don’t think that would fit with you. Instead I’ll say, see you at the next gig!”
“This is heartbreaking. Sending love, strength and hope to Rina and the kids. Beautiful man, beautiful family, his presence a blessing, his loss incalculable 🥹💜”
“So very sorry to hear of Marks passing. Im shocked & saddened to hear of such a young soul taken from us. Love the band & Marks contribution to the songs & music. Condolences to the guys & his family & friends who knew him. Rest in Peace x 🙏🕊💔🎼”
Fox News Digital provided a bit of background information on Sheehan and The Script, saying:
Sheehan formed The Script in 2001 alongside Danny O’Donoghue and drummer Glen Power. Before the Irish rock band launched, Sheehan and O’Donoghue were a part of the boy band Mytown.
The Script has released six studio albums to date, including the debut effort “The Script” and most recently “Sunsets & Full Moons” in 2019.
The band is most known for the songs “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,” “For the First Time,” “Breakeven,” “No Good In Goodbye” and more.
Sheehan was missing from The Script’s most recent tour and O’Donghue, explaining why, said that he was spending more time with his family. In O’Donghue’s words:
“It’s his story to tell, but yeah, I guess if I could paraphrase, his children needed a father and his wife needed a husband.”
“He’s been the engine of The Script for such a long time, [I told him] that ‘if you want to take a bit of time out for your family you are more than welcome to, and I insist on you going and doing it.‘”