Frontman Of Scottish Indie Band Dies On 22nd Birthday Following Accident

15 August 2016 | 10:49 am | Staff Writer

"We have lost a friend, a brother, a hero."

Scottish indie band The Lapelles have confirmed that frontman Gary Watson has died in a "tragic accident" on his 22nd birthday.

The East Kilbride-founded outfit revealed the news in a statement posted to Facebook on Monday. 

"It's with shock, heavy hearts and sadness that we have to let you know the news that Gary sadly passed away this morning as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic accident last night," the statement reads.

"Today was his 22nd birthday. We are lost for words and struggling to process such a tragedy. Gary was a creative force, a man who without his vision this band wouldn't exist. We have lost a friend, a brother, a hero."

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The Scottish Sun have reported that Watson died after falling into the River Clyde, however this is yet to be confirmed by the band.

The Lapelles were widely considered as an up-and-coming act. Having recently supported bands such as The Kooks, the quintet were scheduled to open for rock veterans The Jesus & Mary Chain later this month, before embarking on their own UK tour in October. 

Friends of the bands and fellow musicians have paid their respects to Watson in recent hours.