British singer Chris Rea has died at the age of 74, his family announced on Monday.
According to a statement from his wife and two children, he died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family earlier today after a short illness.
Born in Middlesbrough to an Italian father and Irish mother, he was known for hits such as Driving Home for Christmas.
According to the BBC, his family was in the ice cream business and Rea even took his driving test in his father’s ice cream truck.
Since his death was announced, tributes have been pouring in from family, friends and fans.
Journalist Piers Morgan shared the singer’s photo on social media, saying Chris Rea “wrote and sang one of the most famous party songs in history.”
TV personality Lizzie Cundy said Rea “will always be an inspiration and legend to me”.
The BBC reported that the pair collaborated on the music video for a 2009 version of Driving Home for Christmas.
Middlesbrough FC says the football club is “deeply saddened” by Rea’s death and calls him a “Teesside icon”
The mayor of Rea’s hometown says the singer “helped put Middlesbrough on the map”
