Ray Boddington dead: X Factor and Piccadilly Rats star, 77, dies after being hit by tram
RAY BODDINGTON, who starred in The X Factor and is the frontman of Manchester band Piccadilly Rats, has died aged 77.
Ray Boddington discusses his Manchester band Piccadilly Rats
Ray Boddington died in hospital a week after he was hit by a tram in Manchester city centre.
His son Daniel Boddington confirmed his tragic death, telling Manchester Evening News: "All of his family were there, at his bed.
“My dad would have wanted everybody in Manchester to know that he loved them all.
"I feel like my heart is shattered. I can't describe the way it feels."
My heart feels more destroyed and shattered that words cant describe.
Daniel also shared a lengthy statement on Ray’s Facebook page telling his fans: “My dad sadly passed away last night.
“In his life he’s been shot, stabbed, had heart attack and recently a tumour and a TRAM takes him away from us but his injuries were too bad.
“I am so proud he made death wait a extra week to show people the human body is nothing without the heart and strength of a warrior and trust me it hurts and my heart feels more destroyed and shattered that words cant describe.”(sic)
Earlier this month, a statement on Ray’s Facebook revealed he was hit by a tram and was fighting for his life in hospital.
The statement added the singer was on a life support machine which was helping him to breath.
They added his injuries were “so bad” the next 48 hours were “touch and go”.
Following the incident, Greater Manchester Police confirmed there was a “collision” which “left the pedestrian with serious head injuries” to Manchester Evening News.
They added: “The tram driver provided negative samples for alcohol and drugs and no arrests have been made.
"Officers are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and speak to police."
Ray often busked with his band Piccadilly Rats in Manchester.
The group have performed at the likes of Kendall Calling and Parklife festival.
Throughout his career, Ray has made appearances on The X Factor in 2007 as well as ITV daytime show Judge Rinder.
Following the news of his death, many of the star’s fans flocked to social media to pay a tribute.
A tweet from Kendall Calling’s Twitter page read: “RIP to the legendary Ray Boddington.
“We had the pleasure of welcoming the Piccadilly Rats to Kendal Calling 2016 and it was a huge highlight of the weekend.
“Our thoughts are with Ray's family and friends, and the rest of the band.”
Another fan commented: “So sad about Ray Boddington.”