Il Divo star Carlos Marin has died in hospital after his life support machine was turned off following a Covid battle.
The Spanish singer, 53, fell ill with the virus on December 7 and was later placed in a medically induced coma at the Manchester Royal Hospital.
He had been in the intensive care unit and was intubated after having his oxygen ‘compromised’.
Confirming his death on Twitter, the group said: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away.
‘He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There will never be another voice or spirit like Carlos.
‘For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend.
‘We hope and pray that his beautiful soul will rest in peace. With Love — David, Sebastien and Urs.’
Baritone Marin had been a star of Il Divo since its inception in 2003, and the group has gone to sell more than 30 million copies of their albums worldwide.
The group are also considered the pioneers of operatic pop, or ‘popera’, and their live concerts have sold more than two million tickets worldwide.
Il Divo was created by Simon Cowell after he decided to form a multinational quartet of classical singers inspired by opera group The Three Tenors, which included Pavarotti.
Paying tribute to the singer, Lorraine Kelly said: ‘This is so sad. I had the joy of interviewing Carlos and @ildivoofficial many times over the years.
‘He was such a class act. Thoughts with everyone who loved him x.’
Before his death today, Il Divo had said they were ‘hoping and praying’ for Marín after the group were forced to cancel their UK tour.
His agent said: ‘His ex-wife Geraldine Larrosa is with him in hospital because although they separated 12 years ago they remain great friends.’
The pair had been due to perform together on TVE1 on New Year’s Eve.
French-born singer Geraldine Larrosa, better known by her stage name of Innocence, had recorded a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody with Marin to be aired during a special on Spanish TV.
Earlier this month, he shared a selfie video from beside a pool in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, to promote the final leg of Il Divo’s tour.
He then performed in Southend, Bournemouth and Brighton – when he posted an aInstagram video which showed him looking healthy while talking enthusiastically about the upcoming performance.
Il Divo’s concert in Bath on December 6 was the last time he was seen on stage and he was admitted to hospital two days later, El Espanol reported.
Gigs in Hull and Nottingham were called off and on December 10, Il Divo announced all subsequent shows had been postponed until 2022.
