Mark Sheehan, Guitarist For The Script, Dies Suddenly at 46

Mark Sheehan passed away at 46 this week in the hospital after a short illness. He leaves behind a wife, kids, and loving band members.

The band, formed in Ireland in the early 2000s, posted Sheehan's passing on their group Facebook page and IG account. "Much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate, and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness. The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time."

They also shared a photo of the guitarist who celebrated his 46th birthday late last year while possibly battling an illness. The news is shocking, seeing as the band posted three days ago that they were "getting ready for the tour" and asked their followers, "What show are you going to?"

One follower pointed out that Sheehan was noticeably absent at the time, and another wrote, "Can someone give us news of Mark?" Unfortunately, we have the answer.

Sheehan lived in the US with his wife, Rina, and three children, Cameron, Avery, and Lil. In 2008 in an interview with The Mirror, he gushed about Rina, who he met while touring in Texas.

"I was producing and working in different studios, and she was a studio session singer and backing singer. And we just clicked in the usual way you do. We married three years ago and now have the baby number one on the way."

Suspicions around Sheehan's absence began to rumble when he didn't appear in the last US tour the band did. Bandmate Danny O'Donoghue spoke about the decision to Sunday World. "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."

He continued, "He's been the engine of The Script for such a long time, [I told him] that 'if you want to take a bit of time out for your family, you are more than welcome to, and I insist on you going and doing it. He took a little bit of time off. You get refreshed and come back with a new zest for life. And I believe it was the best thing that could have happened for all of us."

The guitarist and O'Donoghue were also writing partners and had notably written hits for Josh Groban, Britney Spears, Keisha Chanté, and Aaron Carter. O'Donoghue even referred to Sheehan as "the perfect songwriting partner."

They also saved some hits for themselves, like "Break Even," "The Man Who Can't Be Moved," "Hall of Fame," and "For The First Time." as we mentioned above, the band is going back out on tour, and they are a supporting act for P! nk on her summer tour starting in June.

It's unclear what the plan i, buts three days ago they confirmed they are touring, that could still be the situation in honor of Mark!