ITV The Voice star dies at 36 following illness as family shares heartbreaking announcement
Dean Franklin, who appeared on The Voice UK in 2016 under the mentorship of Paloma Faith, has died at the age of 36.
The singer passed away on Sunday evening following a brief illness, his family confirmed this afternoon.
Mr Franklin had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer just eight weeks before his death, with the news coming as a sudden blow to those who knew him.
During his time on the ITV singing competition, the performer worked closely with Faith as part of her team.
Dean Franklin has died at 36
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ITV
His family took to social media earlier today to share the devastating news with his supporters and friends, describing their profound grief at losing him so soon after his diagnosis.
Mr Franklin received his cancer diagnosis approximately two months ago, learning he was suffering from oesophageal cancer.
Last month, he had publicly announced that he was beginning chemotherapy treatment.
Despite the medical intervention, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
Dean Franklin passed away on Sunday evening
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ITV
According to his family’s statement, he battled the disease for precisely eight weeks and three days before succumbing to the illness.
The 36-year-old died on Sunday evening, surrounded by his loved ones during his final moments.
His relatives confirmed that he remained courageous throughout his short fight against the aggressive form of cancer.
The swiftness of his decline shocked many, with the diagnosis coming just weeks before his death, leaving little time for treatment to take effect.
In their statement shared on Facebook, the family expressed their devastation at losing him.
“As a family we are truly heartbroken to announce that our precious boy who fought so courageously over 8 weeks and 3 days passed over at 21.39pm last night,” they wrote.
They emphasised that Mr Franklin did not face his final moments alone. “He was surrounded by love,” the statement continued.
His mother spoke of receiving numerous messages from well-wishers since news of his death began to spread this morning.
Dean Franklin took part in The Voice in 2016
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ITV
She expressed her desire to honour her son’s bravery by sharing the news publicly, despite the immense difficulty of doing so.
The family described Franklin as someone who demonstrated remarkable strength throughout his illness, never giving up despite the grim prognosis he faced.
The family indicated they would provide a more detailed tribute when they felt able to do so. “As a family we will post in more length when we are able,” they stated.
His mother spoke of wanting to “manifest my son’s courage” in sharing the news with the public, despite her grief.
The statement concluded with an expression of gratitude towards those who had supported Franklin and his relatives during his illness.
“Until then please know that the love you gave to our Dean and all of us has meant so very much,” the family wrote.
Messages of condolence have been flooding in since the announcement was made earlier today, with fans and friends alike paying tribute to the former Voice contestant.
