X Factor star dies aged 42 as devastated tributes call him ‘great friend and amazing man'
Ben Thapa, who was one of the members in the four-piece British band G4, has died at the age of 42. He appeared on The X Factor in 2004 and came in second place.
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X Factor singer Ben Thapa has died at the age of 42, it has been confirmed. The tragic news was revealed on social media after the band G4 posted online.
Ben was one of the members in the four-piece British band G4, who appeared in the first series of The X Factor in 2004 and came in second place.
The band's official Instagram page announced his death with an emotional statement. It read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and great friend, Ben Thapa.
"Words cannot express how we all feel right now…We understand that this will be heartbreaking news for so many others too and we send you our love and support as we all remember the amazing man and memories that he has left behind.
"Ben has been such a major part of the international singing community and he was a critical part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love at this difficult time. RIP Ben xxxx."
Tributes have been pouring in from fans in the comments section. One devastated follower said: "A complete shock and utterly heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. Love to you all. RIP Ben x."
A second person chimed in: " I’m so so sorry to hear this news. What an awful shock. Thinking of you all xx."
A third fan typed: "Oh that’s very sad!! RIP Ben. And love to all your family and friends."
G4 shot to fame in 2004 after coming in second place on The X Factor, but disbanded three years later. The group then reunited in 2014 to celebrate their ten-year anniversary and embarked on nationwide tours.
