Gregory Robinson
The Wanted singer Siva Kaneswaran has paid tribute to Tom Parker, who passed away on Wednesday after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
The singer and model shared a black and white image of his bandmate on his Instagram page alongside a caption in which he called Tom his "brother".
Siva wrote: "Hey Tom, I hope you’re having a blast up there. I am so grateful that I had a chance to witness your true courage. It has been an absolute pleasure Tommy Boy. Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother".
On Wednesday, the remaining band members posted a tribute on the official The Wanted Instagram page. "Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.
"Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts."
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The Wanted embarked on a UK tour earlier this month which finished with a date in Liverpool on 18th March 2022.
News of Tom's death was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon in a statement published on Instagram by Tom's wife, Kelsey. The statement reads: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side. Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
"We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you ❤️💫✨❤️"
Tom was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in October 2020 after suffering a series of "unexplained" seizures during the summer months the same year.
In January 2021, Tom told fans that his brain tumour had shrunk in an Instagram update. In November he announced on Instagram that his brain tumor was under control.
Tom is survived by his wife Kelsey, 32, and their children, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
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