The Script co-founder and guitarist Mark Sheehan dies at 46

Mark Sheehan, who co-founded Irish rock band the Script and served as its guitarist, has died, the band announced Friday on social media. He was 46.

“Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness,” The Script wrote in identical Twitter and Instagram posts. “The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”

Sheehan, who was born on Oct. 29, 1976, and grew up in Dublin, formed the Script with childhood friend and lead singer Danny O’Donoghue and drummer Glen Power in 2001.

In 2008 the group released its self-titled album, featuring the hits “We Cry,” “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven,” which went on to be one of their most popular songs.

Sheehan talked to Billboard in 2017 about the heartbreak anthem’s lasting impact.

“I think that was the first lesson for us, where a song really resonates with an audience and becomes their song, not your song,” he said. “A lot of people say they didn’t know the Script until they broke up with somebody — we’re like the soundtrack to people’s bad times.”

Mark Sheehan, left, Danny O’Donoghue and Glen Power of the Script.

(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)

During Sheehan’s time in the band, the Script released five more studio albums (the most recent being 2019’s “Sunsets & Full Moons”) and launched several tours. The Script also won several honors at the World Music Awards, European Border Breakers Award and BMI Pop Awards.

The group was set to perform a number of live shows in the U.K. in the summer.

On social media, fellow musicians are sending their thoughts to the Script.

“I can’t BELIEVE this he will be so missed one of the nicest best dudes I’ve ever had the pleasure of touring with and hanging with,” tweeted OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder. “This is horrible”

American Authors said it’s sending “all our love” to the Irish group.

Sony Music UK mourned the “tragic loss” on Twitter.

“A hugely talented songwriter, guitarist and founder member of The Script, one of Ireland’s greatest bands,” Sony said of Sheehan. “Our thoughts are with his family, fellow band members and fans at this time.”

In a statement released Friday Irish President Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to Sheehan and his role in The Script.

“Through their music, Mark and The Script have played an outstanding part in continuing and promoting this proud tradition of Irish musical success across the world,” Higgins wrote.

Higgins continued: “While Mark will be missed by so many, it is his family who will of course experience the greatest loss. May I extend my deepest sympathies to Mark’s wife Rina, to his children Cameron, Avery and Lil, to his bandmates in The Script, and to all his family and friends.”