Former America's Got Talent finalist Zuri Craig has died aged 44, his family have confirmed in a statement on his website.
Craig was one half of 'The CraigLewis Band', a performing duo from Atlanta, Georgia, who comprised of Zuri Craig and Jeffrey Lewis.
They competed in the 10th season of America's Got Talent, making it all the way to the series finale before finishing in fifth place.
Over the course of their time on the show they received multiple standing ovations from the judges and made it the furthest of any singing act that year.
While the show can catapult you to stardom as your performances reach an audience of millions and leave their jaws on the floor, Craig and Lewis had already been noticed by the showbiz world by the time they auditioned for the talent show.
The pair first sung on YouTube, with their videos attracting the attention of Tyler Perry who offered them the chance to perform for a living.
In addition to appearing on 2015's version of America's Got Talent, the band also worked on Perry's productions Madea’s Big Happy Family, Madea Gets a Job and A Madea Christmas.
In their announcement revealing the news of his death the family of Craig confirmed that he died on Friday, 21 October.
His family wrote: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the transition of our beloved son, brother and friend Zuri Craig.
"We thank you in advance for your prayers, please honor our privacy during this unimaginable time of mourning."
They also said they would release more details further down the line, with the performer's cause of death as yet unknown.
Fans offered 'prayers of strength and comfort' for Craig's family during this difficult time as many flocked to the announcement to pay tribute to him and send their condolences.
People said they were 'in shock' and 'loved his work' as they paid tribute to the performer's life and mourned his untimely death.
Craig was called 'one of the most authentic loving souls I've ever had the pleasure to be in company with' by one person, while another hailed him as having 'an amazing voice'.
Some of Zuri's co-stars said their 'heart is broken' at hearing the sad news of his death.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Featured Image Credit: Peter Kramer/NBC/WENN Rights Ltd/AlamyTopics: America's Got Talent, Celebrity, US News
Joe Harker