Share

Wonderful Life singer dies after car crash

London - British singer Black, known for his wistful 1980s hit Wonderful Life, died on Tuesday following a road accident, a statement on his Facebook page said.

The musician, real name Colin Vearncombe, never regained consciousness after a car crash 16 days ago and died in hospital in Cork, southern Ireland, surrounded by family members who were singing as he passed away.

"No need to laugh or cry/ It's a wonderful, wonderful life," the statement concluded, quoting Black's most famous song.

Listen to the song here:

The 53-year-old's funeral will be private but will be followed by a memorial service in his home city of Liverpool, northwest England.

News of his death was confirmed by a second statement on his official website.

Vearncombe was placed in an induced coma after the accident but his condition subsequently deteriorated badly, according to a Facebook update posted on Sunday.

Wonderful Life peaked at number eight in Britain's singles chart in 1987 and was also a big hit in a string of other European countries.

Although originally from Liverpool, the singer, who leaves a wife and three sons, had made Ireland his home.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE