The Overtones singer Timmy Matley, who was originally from Cork, has passed away just months before he was due to go on tour.
The sad news was confirmed by his bandmates Mark Franks, Mike Crawshaw, Darren Everest and Lachie Chapman on Twitter.
They wrote: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce that our dear friend and brother Timmy has passed away.
"We know this news will be as heartbreaking for you all as it is for us. We appreciate your love and support at this difficult time."
While the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, Matley had been battling skin cancer after he discovered a lump under his arm two years ago.
Originally from Farranree in Co Cork, Matley began performing at the age of 14. He moved to London at 17 and in his early twenties he auditioned for The X Factor, making it to the bootcamp stage of the competition.
Matley joined The Overtones, originally called DYCE, in 2010. The five-member vocal harmony group were discovered by a talent scout, who heard them singing while working as decorators on London's Oxford Street.
They went on to have four top 10 albums in the UK, with their debut studio album, Good Ol' Fashioned Love, reaching number 4.
Matley continued to perform for a time with the group following a diagnosis of stage three melanoma, a form of skin cancer, in 2016.
This is amazing guys . Made me smile waking up this morning reading your messages and seeing those donations flying in 🙏🏽 Bring on the #timmatleyjumpforlife https://t.co/R3PRCXPK8p raising well needed money for cancer research @royalmarsden @royalmarsdenNHS x
— Tim Matley (@TimMatley) December 18, 2017
He was expected to join The Overtones for a tour this summer and was also due to perform at City Hall in Cork on June 12 as part of a charity concert to raise funds in aid of Down Syndrome Centre, Cork. He attended the launch of the event at City Hall just two weeks ago.
He was also planning to do a skydive on May 3 to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity at the hospital where he received his treatment.
Farranree Youth Club, which Matley was a former member of, paid tribute to him online, writing: "It is with great sadness we have learned of the passing of our dear friend and former member Timmy Matley.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his mom Geraldine and sister Audrey at this heartbreaking time. Heaven has gained the most beautiful singing angel. Sleep tight our friend. xxxx"
Fans have since paid tribute to the talented singer across social media, among them TV presenter Phillip Schofield and former X Factor winner Sam Bailey.
I’m so terribly sorry to hear this and sending lots of love to you all and particularly Timmy’s family and his many friends 😢
— Phillip Schofield (@Schofe) April 11, 2018
So sad to hear the news of @the_overtones singer Timmy Matley passing away this week! Thoughts are with all his family and friends, especially his wonderful band mates xx 😢 pic.twitter.com/5EKiDpBPUr
— Sam Bailey Official (@SamBaileyREAL) April 11, 2018
I’m shocked + saddened to hear of the death of @the_overtones singer, Timmy Matley (on the right in this photo. Lachie Chapman is on the left). I saw them in the Gaiety just two years ago. A few nights later we 3 had a great night out in Panti Bar. Timmy was a funny, sweet guy pic.twitter.com/R4lNv89dTj
— Rory Cowan (@1rorycowan) April 11, 2018
Saddened over the news that Timmy Matley of @the_overtones passed away. I was fortunate to open for them in 2012 & Timmy was one of the kindest artists I've had the privilege to work with. My prayers are with his friends & family right now as well as Mike, Darren, Mark & Lachie x pic.twitter.com/f8O5uCTUzL
— Jess and the Bandits (@JesstheBandits) April 11, 2018
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