Utterly devastated': The Script's guitarist Mark Sheehan dies aged 46 following a brief illness as fans rush to pay their respects

The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan has died in hospital aged 46 following a brief illness, leaving his bandmates 'utterly devastated'.

His shock passing was announced on the Irish band's official Facebook page on Friday, two weeks after the group's latest gig was announced.

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

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'.

Guitarist Mark took time away from the band and missed nearly a year of gifs in 2021 in order to spend more time with his family.

'His children needed a father and his wife needed a husband,' lead singer Danny O'Donoghue, 42, told the publication.

Going on to say that it was the 'best thing that could have happened' and the musician returned to the trio 'refreshed'.

Before joining The Script, Mark was a member of the band Mytown alongside bandmate Danny O'Donoghue until 2001.