Timmy Matley, gay Irish lead singer of The Overtones, has died at the age of 36, after a battle with cancer although the cause of death has not been confirmed as of yet.

Fellow members of doo-wop band The Overtones, Lachie, Darren, Mark and Mike, released a statement on Twitter where they shared the heartbreaking news.

“It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce that our dear friend and brother Timmy has passed away. We know this news will be as heartbreaking for you all as it is for us. We appreciate your love and support at this difficult time. Mike, Darren, Mark & Lachie x”

Timmy was originally from Cork and was lead vocalist in the five-strong harmony group of which two other members are openly gay.

We spoke with the band in 2016 shortly after their hugely successful gig at the Cork Opera House.

Later that same year, Timmy was diagnosed with stage three malignant melanoma – a form of skin cancer.

In a statement, the singer’s agent told the BBC: “Singer Timmy Matley died suddenly in London on the 9 April 2018.

“The Overtones singer, from Cork, Ireland, was 36 years old and lived in London. No further details are currently available.

“Family and friends are devastated at the news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

Many of the singer‘s fans have taken to social media to share their heartbreak at the news of his passing.

I’m shocked + saddened to hear of the death of @the_overtones singer, Timmy Matley (on the right in this photo. Lachie Chapman is on the left). I saw them in the Gaiety just two years ago. A few nights later we 3 had a great night out in Panti Bar. Timmy was a funny, sweet guy pic.twitter.com/R4lNv89dTj

— Rory Cowan (@1rorycowan) April 11, 2018

Truly heartbreaking to hear of the passing of @the_overtones Timmy Matley , always been a big fan of the band and his work & voice. My love & thoughts go out to his family, friends & fans during this difficult time. Xxxx

— Mark Read (@MarkReadMusic) April 11, 2018

Matley announced in December 2017 that he was planning a skydiving fundraiser to raise money for charity The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

He described the cause as “very close to my heart”, and raised £5,500 on his crowdfunding page and was due to complete his skydive in early May.

The band announced in March that they were due to go on tour later on this year.

They released five albums, each reaching the Top 40,  four reaching the Top 10 in the UK charts and sold a million records in the UK.