II Divo star Carlos Marin died on Sunday, the band announced. He was 53. 

Announcing his death, II Divo wrote,” It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There will never be another voice or spirit like Carlos.”

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“For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend. We hope and pray that his beautiful soul will rest in peace. With Love — David, Sebastien and Urs,” the band added. 

The cause of death is not known yet. However, reports suggest that the singer was taken to a Manchester hospital and admitted in an intensive care unit.

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Marin’s bandmates had spoken about his illness on social media earlier when they decided to postpone their remaining 2021 concerts.

Who was Carlos Marin? 

Carlos Marin was the singer of II Divo. The fusion group was built by Simon Cowell in 2004 and comprised of Miller of the US, Buhler from Switzerland, Izambard of France, and Marín, who was born in Germany but raised in Spain. 

Marin started his music career when he was eight years old and recorded his first album ‘The Little Caruso’, which was produced by Pierre Kartner. 

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At 10, he recorded a second album called ‘Mijn Lieve Mama’ (My Dear Mother). Two years later Marin moved to Spain and won several awards in contests like “Gente Joven” (Young People) and “Nueva Gente” (New People) in TVE (Spanish Television) over the years. He also performed at musicals, including ‘The Beauty and the Beast’. 

Marin sang in Henry Selick’s animated film, ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ and was the Prince’s singing voice in Disney’s Spanish version of Cinderella. 

In December 2003, he became a member of the musical quartet Il Divo. 

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Their debut album, Il Divo, became a worldwide multiplatinum selling record when released in November 2004, entering Billboard at number four and selling five million copies worldwide in less than a year. 

“This is so sad. I had the joy of interviewing Carlos and Il Divo many times over the years. He was such a class act. Thoughts with everyone who loved him,” Scottish journalist and television presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote on Twitter.

“I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending my love and thoughts to you all and of course to Carlos’ family and loved ones,” actor Michael Xavier said.