The Voice UK contestant Dean Franklin died on Sunday following a heartbreaking battle with oesophageal cancer.
The London-born singer, who was coached by Paloma Faith in 2016, last month shared that he was starting chemotherapy.
He tragically died just eight weeks later, leaving behind his 17-year-old daughter.
Sharing the news on Facebook, Dean's mother, Marie, said, “I never wanted to share this news with you all so soon...
“As a family, we are truly heartbroken to announce that our precious boy, who fought so courageously over 8 weeks and 3 days, passed over at 21.39pm last night...
“He was surrounded by love. I have been getting MSG's from people this morning and wanted as his ma to manifest my son's courage to share with you all...
“As a family, we will post in more length when we are able. Until then, please know that the love you gave to our Dean and all of us has meant so very much”.
When the news of his death was announced, fellow singer and friend Luke Silva took to social media to share a photo of the pair together, captioned “Rest easy brother”.
Dean had been using Instagram to share his journey with the illness, which was met with comments by his former mentor, Paloma Faith, who wrote, “You are so brave xxx”.
Dean responded: “Thank you for the love, P. I’m holding onto every bit of it right now”.
Last week, he gave an honest account of the physical pain he was enduring, writing on Instagram: “The liver pain has been honestly unbearable, especially throughout the night. I’m hoping tonight’s a breakthrough”.
He shared a photo of himself with his mother, captioned “To my darling mother… I couldn’t have made it through the last four weeks without you.
“Thank you for holding my hand, calming my fears, and loving me through the hardest days. I love you.”
Dean launched a GoFundMe page last month in the hopes of raising money for his family, specifically his daughter. At the time of publication, the page has raised £31,084.
The page reads: “Hi, my name is Dean Franklin. I am a musician, a dad, and I have recently been diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer...
“I am about to begin chemotherapy. While this treatment is not curative, it gives me time and the possibility of further options, and I have chosen to go ahead with it...
“Right now, my focus is on treatment, managing pain, and holding on to the parts of life that matter most to me, especially music and my family...
“Because I am unable to work and because treatment will be ongoing, I am facing significant financial pressure. This fundraiser is to help ease that burden so I can focus on my health without constant worry...
“The funds raised will help with:
- Day-to-day living costs during treatment
- Reducing financial stress on my family
- Planning ahead, including future costs and support for my daughter, who means everything to me...
“This is not about giving up. It is about giving me peace of mind. Knowing that my daughter will be supported, and that practical worries will not take away from the time I have now...
“Before treatment begins, I am planning one final busking performance in London. It will be a moment of connection, gratitude, and love for the music and the people who have carried me through my life...
“Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for supporting in whatever way you can. It truly means more than I can say...
“If there comes a time when I am unable to update this page myself, my family may share updates on my behalf.'
The singer, who rose to fame after giving a rousing performance of The Eton Rifles by Kelly Jones and Paul Weller during the blind audition, gave his last street performance in London’s Piccadilly Circus last month.
After the news broke of his death, representatives for Heartburn Cancer Charity UK said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Dean Franklin. Dean was taken far too young by oesophageal cancer, and at a shocking speed.
“Despite everything he was facing, Dean showed incredible strength and a clear wish to raise awareness, so that others might be helped through his experience.”
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