Tributes have been paid to British indie band Viola Beach and their manager who died in a car crash in Sweden at the weekend.
Band members Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin and manager Craig Tarry were killed when their vehicle plunged more than 80ft into a canal in Sodertalje, 18 miles from the Swedish capital Stockholm, in the early hours of Saturday.
The family of River Reeves issued a statement following the tragedy.
"We are all heartbroken following River's tragic death and the circumstances which have seen him lose his life alongside the band-mates and manager he adored and loved being with," they said.
"River had such talent and such humility, such charm and such innocence it seems so unfair that he can be taken so cruelly from us like this.
"We are so proud of him, not only for what he achieved in his short, beautiful life, but also what he was clearly destined to achieve. He will live forever in our hearts and we hope the band's wonderful music lives on."
The family of Kris Leonard said: "Words cannot express the sadness we feel at the loss of our precious Kristian. He was doing the job he loved and will be missed so much by his family and friends.
"We ask for privacy to grieve at this devastating time."
Irish band The Script extended their sympathies to the families and friends of Viola Beach.
Our deepest sympathy to the family's and friends of #ViolaBeach today. So so sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. M
— the script (@thescript) February 14, 2016
Paying tribute, British band The Enemy wrote on social media: "RIP Viola Beach and their manager. Such incredibly tragic and sad news. Thought with the friends and families of all involved x."
RIP Viola Beach and their manager. Such incredibly tragic and sad news. Thought with the friends and families of all involved x
— The Enemy (@theenemyband) February 14, 2016
The members of Kasabian, The Coral and The Cribs were also among those paying tribute.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of @Viola_Beach. So sad x
— KasabianHQ (@KasabianHQ) February 14, 2016
Viola Beach were due to play a gig in Guildford in Surrey on Saturday, and were in Sweden as part of the line-up for the Where is the Music? festival on Friday. It was their first show outside the UK.
On February 5 they supported fellow UK band Blossoms at Dublin's Academy.
The four-piece released their debut single Swings and Waterslides last year.
Absolutely devastated for the loss of Viola Beach and Craig Tarry. Our thoughts are with their friends and families. pic.twitter.com/Fg52on42as
— B L O S S O M S (@BlossomsBand) February 14, 2016
So upset today to hear about viola beach and Craig. Heartbreaking and I'd like to send our love to their families and friends x
— PEACE (@PEACE4EVEREVER) February 14, 2016
