The boyfriend of The Cranberries frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan has said he is mourning the loss of the love of his life following her death.
Olé Koretsky, who played with O’Riordan in alternative rock band D.A.R.K, said his “heart is broken and it is beyond repair” in a statement on the group’s official website.
The Irish singer was found dead aged 46 at a hotel in central London on Monday morning.
Koretsky, a DJ and producer based in New York, wrote: “My friend, partner, and the love of my life is gone.
“Dolores is beautiful. Her art is beautiful. Her family is beautiful. The energy she continues to radiate is undeniable.
He added: “I am lost. I miss her so much. I will continue to stumble around this planet for some time knowing well there’s no real place for me here now.”
The couple’s D.A.R.K. bandmate, Andy Rourke – former bassist of The Smiths – added he was “devastated” by her death.
He said: “I have truly enjoyed the years we spent together and feel privileged to call her a close friend.
“It was a bonus to work with her in our band D.A.R.K. and witness firsthand her breathtaking and unique talent. I will miss her terribly. I send my love and condolences to her family and loved ones.”
D.A.R.K. formed in 2009 after Rourke and Koretsky met gigging in the US and soon invited O’Riordan to join the project.
They released debut album, Science Agrees, in 2016.
An Instagram account in Koretsky’s name shared a photo of him and O’Riordan earlier this month with the caption: “NYE: take away, TV, pajamas.”
O’Riordan, from Friarstown, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, was renowned for her distinctive singing voice and The Cranberries enjoyed huge success in the 1990s with tracks including Zombie and Linger.
Police have said her death is not being treated as suspicious and confirmed the case was being passed to a coroner.
The singer had been in London to record a cover of Zombie with hard rock band Bad Wolves and, hours before her death, had sounded “full of life” in a voicemail, according to her friend and music producer Dan Waite.
Her The Cranberries bandmates – Noel Hogan, Fergal Lawler, and Mike Hogan – said they were “devastated” by the news, adding “the world has lost a true artist”.
In 2014, O’Riordan split from her husband of 20 years, former Duran Duran tour manager Don Burton.
They have three children together.
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