Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter has paid an emotional tribute to his younger brother Aaron who has tragically died aged 34. Nick, 42, took to Instagram to share a collection of photos of the siblings together through the years.
It was confirmed yesterday (Saturday November 5) that former child star Aaron had been found dead at home. The Californian musician first found fame as a child star in the nineties with hits including I Want Candy, Crush On You and Crazy Little Party Girl, and opened for his brother's band on a number of tours and concerts.
The Backstreet Boys are currently on their DNA World Tour. The band, whose hits include I Want It That Way, Larger Than Life and As Long As You Love Me, are due to perform at the London The O2 arena tonight and Manchester's AO Arena on Tuesday.
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Nick wrote in his heartfelt tribute: "My heart has been broken today. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded.
"I have always held onto the hope, that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed. Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss.
"But the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know." He added: "I love you Chizz, now you get a chance to finally have some peace you could never find here on earth….God. Please take care of my baby brother."
A representative from the singer, rapper and actor’s team told the PA news agency that the cause of death is being investigated. “Right now it’s a really bad time we’re trying to figure out what happened and what the cause of it was," they said. “We’re just as upset as everyone and hope that fans can give thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Aaron leaves a young son, Prince, who he welcomed with his fiancee Melanie Martin in November last year. Los Angeles County Police Department confirmed to PA that officers attended Carter’s residence at 4200 LA Vista Drive in Lancaster, California, on Saturday, and found someone dead.
Aaron, who also opened for Britney Spears on the Oops!… I Did It Again tour, started out opening for the Backstreet Boys on a 1997 tour and later that year released his self-titled debut album. His second studio album, Aaron’s Party (Come And Get It), was released in 2000 and went triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Spice Girl Emma Bunton told Nick: "I’m heartbroken for you and your family. Sending so much love." All Saints singer Natalie Appleton said: "My heart goes out to you Sending you so much love." And New Kids on the Block, who teamed up with the Backstreet Boys as a supergroup in 2011, tweeted: "We are shocked and saddened about the sudden passing of Aaron Carter. Sending prayers to the Carter family. Rest in peace, Aaron."
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