Wonderful Life Singer Dies After Car Accident

Wonderful Life singer Colin Vearncombe, known as Black, has died a week after a car accident left him with serious head injuries.

A message on his Facebook page read: "We’re deeply saddened to announce the death of Colin Vearncombe (aka Black) earlier today, Tuesday 26th January 2016.

"Colin never regained consciousness following a road traffic accident sixteen days ago. He died peacefully surrounded by his family who were singing him on his way."

"His wife Camilla and his three sons paid tribute to the staff at the Intensive Treatment Unit of Cork University Hospital saying: 'Colin received the best possible care from the expert and highly professional staff there and we are deeply grateful for everything they did.'

"The funeral will be a private one, but we will be holding a memorial service for him in Liverpool in the near future as we know there are many, many people who will want to celebrate Colin’s life and work.

"The date and time will be announced in due course, along with details of a charity to which any donations in memory of Colin can be made. No need to laugh or cry. It’s a wonderful, wonderful life."

The 53-year-old's management had said it would take a "miracle" for him to pull through following the accident in Ireland on 10 January.

He had been driving from his home in Schull to Cork Airport to catch a flight to Edinburgh.

Black's wife, Camilla, and three sons had been at his bedside since the accident.

The musician gained international success in 1987 with the song Wonderful Life and released 15 albums, as well as published poetry and held exhibitions of his paintings.

Originally from Liverpool, he had lived in Ireland for the past 10 years.

He was due to become a grandfather for the first time on St Patrick's Day.