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LONDON — British singer Black, known for his wistful 1980s hit “Wonderful Life”, died 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.
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.