Mark Sheehan, co-founder and guitarist of The Script, passed away on Friday at the age of 46 after a short illness, the band confirmed in a statement. The Irish rock group shared the news on their Instagram account, expressing their grief over the sudden loss of a "much-loved husband, father, brother, bandmate, and friend."

The band's statement requested fans to respect the privacy of Sheehan's family during this tragic time. Fans and admirers of the late musician paid tribute to him on social media, expressing their heartbreak and appreciation for his work.

One fan commented on the band's post, saying, "I don't know what to say other than this is breaking my heart in 100000 pieces. Many many many hugs and loves to families and friends. Shaking while typing this. Rest in peace legend ‬." Another fan wrote, " thank you for everything Mark," while a third shared, "Absolutely heartbreaking. A truly wonderful, talented & humble man taken far too soon. I feel so privileged to have seen you perform over the years. R.I.P Mark & sending so much love & thoughts to your family & friends  xxx."

Sheehan co-founded The Script in 2001 alongside childhood friend and the group's lead vocalist and keyboardist Danny O'Donoghue, 42, and drummer Glen Power, 41. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2008, which included popular tracks like "We Cry," "The Man Who Can't Be Moved," "Breakeven," and "Before the Worst." They went on to release five more studio albums, selling over 20 million albums worldwide.

In 2021, Sheehan did not participate in the U.S. leg of the band's world tour. O'Donoghue confirmed to the Sunday World that Sheehan's absence was due to family commitments. O'Donoghue explained, "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."

Mark Sheehan is survived by his wife, Reena Sheehan, and their three children.