The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan left £9.4million fortune to his family after his death aged 46 following brief illness

The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan left his £9.4million fortune to his family after his death aged 46 following a brief illness.

Sheehan, who was originally from Dublin, formed the successful rock band alongside frontman Danny O’Donaghue and drummer Glen Power in 2001.

His shock passing was announced on the band's official Facebook page in April 2023, two weeks after the group's gig was announced.

The guitarist and father-of-three lived in America with his wife Rina. He died in hospital on April 14, 2023 following a brief, undisclosed illness.

Their band's statement said: 'Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness'.

It continued: 'The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.'

The Script's guitarist Mark Sheehan passed away in 2023 following a short and undisclosed ilness

The guitarist and father-of-three lived in America with his wife Rina (pictured)

Mark Sheehan (pictured left) with bandmates Danny O'Donoghue and Glen Joseph in 2019

The band's statement said: 'Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness'

Mark Sheehan has left his £9.4million fortune to his family after his death aged 46 it has been revealed today

Mark began his career as a dancer and taught Hip-Hop at Dublin's Digges Lane performing arts centre.

Mark and lead singer Danny had been best friends from the age of 12 and were previously members of a band called Mytown, which was formed in 1996.

The announcement prompted more than 2,000 comments and well-wishes from fans within minutes of it being posted.

Rushing to the comments section former Love Island host Laura Whitmore wrote: 'Thinking of you all at this time. Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet x'.

While musician LYRA said: 'So sorry to hear this, sending so much love'.

DOI's Matt Evers added: 'Sending love to you boys'.

And John Barrowman wrote: 'Oh no, so very sad. ❤️ to you and his family. Jb'.

Meanwhile devastated fans also paid their respect to the talented and much respected musician.

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Mark (left) took time away from the band and missed nearly a year of gigs in 2021 in order to spend more time with his family

Pals: Danny (left) said his pal was 'the perfect songwriting partner' with the pair having collaborated on a whole string of hits.

One said: 'Awful news. So incredibly sad! RIP' and another agreed stating: 'This is so heartbreaking. I am so sorry guys. He was the loveliest human. Sending so much love to you all'.

A third penned: 'OMG OMG I cannot believe this. Devastated for you guys'.

With fellow musician JP Cooper adding: 'This is devastating! Such a beautiful, nurturing warm-hearted guy! I’m so sorry!'.

Another fan commented: 'I'm speechless right now. My thoughts are with you guys and his family and may he rest in peace'.

Rushing to the comments section former Love Island host Laura Whitmore wrote: 'Thinking of you all at this time. Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet x'.

While more wrote: 'I am absolutely heartbroken to hear this news. This is the last thing I expected thoughts go out to Mark’s family, his friends, Danny & Glen & The Script family during this sad & emotional time. RIP Mark, thank you for fantastic memories. Xx '.

And: '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'.

The group were formed in Dublin in 2001, with Mark on guitar, Glen Power on drums and Danny singing.

They went on to sell 20M records worldwide include The Man Who Can't be Moved, For The First Time, We Cry and Hall of Fame.