Sheehan co-founded the band with drummer Glen Power and lead vocalist Danny O’Donoghue in 2001 in Dublin. Five of the band’s six number-one albums in Ireland also led the UK album charts.
The Script reported that guitarist and co-founder Mark Sheehan died at 46.
According to a statement by the Irish rock band, the musician perished in the hospital after a brief illness.
“Much-loved husband, father, brother, bandmate, and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in the hospital after a brief illness,” the band tweeted.
“The family and group request privacy during this difficult time.”
In 2001, Sheehan, O’Donoghue, and Power created The Script in Dublin.
Sheehan and O’Donoghue, who had known one another since they were both 13 years old, had initially departed Dublin for Los Angeles to pursue music careers.
While in the United States, the duo labored in songwriting and production before returning to Ireland to recruit Power.
In 2008, their debut album The Script peaked at number one in both the United Kingdom and Ireland, while their debut single We Cry peaked at number 15 in the UK.
The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, another track from the album, reached number two on the singles listings.
Science And Faith, the band’s 2010 follow-up album, debuted at number one in the United Kingdom and Ireland and at number three in the United States.
3, their 2012 third album, topped Irish charts and reached number two in the UK.
The next three albums, No Sound Without Silence, Freedom Child, and Sunsets & Full Moons, all debuted at number one on the UK and Ireland album charts.
They have sold over 20 million albums worldwide, and their music has been featured on several prominent television programs, including EastEnders, Made In Chelsea, and 90210.
“Such a gentleman!”
Kodaline tweeted, “So sorry to learn of Mark Sheehan’s loss.
“We had the good fortune to spend time with him over the years, and he was always such a gentleman. Sincere condolences to his family and comrades in The Script.”
“Everyone in the Irish music industry and worldwide mourns your loss,” Jedward said on social media. RIP Mark, such a talented musician from The Script, one of the most iconic Irish groups of our generation.”
Sheehan had three children. He spent most of his time with his American wife Rina in the United States. The couple was married for over twenty years.
In 2021 and early 2022, Sheehan missed nearly a year of performances to be with his family.
He was scheduled to join the ensemble later this year to support P!nk on her European tour.