Lil Chris, the Suffolk singer and songwriter who found fame on Gene Simmons' Rock School in 2006, has been found dead, aged 24.
According to the Mirror, Suffolk Police spokesperson confirmed that they're investigating the sudden death of a man, but are not treating it as suspicious.
In a statement, they said: "Officers received a call on Monday 23rd March at about 11.45am following the death of a 24 year old man. A postmortem examination is to take place in due course and an inquest will be opened."
Chris first found fame at 15 when he was a schoolboy at a Lowestoft school and appeared in series two of Channel 4's Rock School. He went on to sign a record deal with major label RCA and released his debut single Checkin' It Out in September 2006., which reached number three in the UK Singles Chart.
Since news broke, family, friends and fans of the star began flooding Twitter with tributes. His mum, Karen Hardman, shared a number of pictures of her son on Facebook.
Friend Lloyd Wilkinson, who he recorded a single with, shared a heartbreaking post earlier today. "I cannot believe I'm doing this and I'm completely devastated. Rest in peace brother bear. Love you mate. Chris Hardman Aka Lil' Chris."
McBusted's Harry Judd wrote: "Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Lil' Chris. He supported us a while back and was a little star and an awesome guy. #RIPChris."
And Caroline Flack, who worked with him on Sam & Mark's TMi Friday, said: "Oh my god. Lil Chris. He was a regular guest on TMI. Always always such a polite lovely guy. That's so sad."
In December Chris wrote on Twitter: "I'm planning to come back again! Hopefully this time for a little longer! Keep sticking around for updates." However, earlier this month, the musician admitted he was considering giving up his career as a singer.
He wrote: "Thinking about quitting music forever... there has to come a time eventually when I have to face reality. I'm just not good enough."
The star has previously been vocal about suffering with depression, mentioning the illness in two separate tweets last year.
"Depression really sucks. Learning how to notice it can save lives and your own feelings at times. Take time to understand it, for everybody."
But his last post, on March 18, was upbeat. “Good morning everybody! Lovely day! Love you all x."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttkkj9yBh3Y
