UK Troubadour Colin Vearncombe, AKA Black, Dead At 53

Prolific British singer-songwriter Colin Vearncombe, better known by his stage name, Black, has passed away from head injuries sustained in a serious road accident just over two weeks ago, it has been confirmed. He was 53 years old.

Vearncombe - who released 15 albums over the past 28 years and achieved international fame with his 1987 hit Wonderful Life - was placed in a medically induced coma following the incident, which as The Guardian reports occurred near Cork airport, in Ireland, with a previous statement from his camp explaining at the outset that the troubadour had "only a slim chance of pulling through" after it was discovered that his brain injuries were "worse than we feared". His death was announced on his Facebook page early this morning (AEST).

"We’re deeply saddened to announce the death of Colin Vearncombe (aka Black) earlier today, Tuesday 26th January 2016," the post read. "Colin never regained consciousness following a road traffic accident sixteen days ago. He died peacefully surrounded by his family who were singing him on his way.

"His wife Camilla and his three sons paid tribute to the staff at the Intensive Treatment Unit of Cork University Hospital saying; 'Colin received the best possible care from the expert and highly professional staff there and we are deeply grateful for everything they did'.

"The funeral will be a private one, but we will be holding a memorial service for him in Liverpool in the near future as we know there are many, many people who will want to celebrate Colin’s life and work. The date and time will be announced in due course, along with details of a charity to which any donations in memory of Colin can be made."

"No need to laugh or cry," the statement concluded. "It’s a wonderful, wonderful life."

Vearncombe's first single, Human Features, was released in 1981. Although the musician enjoyed considerable success off the back of Wonderful Life six years later, he was unable to match the result in a strictly commercial sense. However, he never stopped performing, most recently releasing the well-received Blind Faith last year.

Vearncombe is survived by his ex-wife and four sons.