URGENT UPDATE: Legendary musician Chris Rea has passed away at the age of 74, compounding the family’s tragedy as they mourn the loss of three siblings in just three months. The heart-wrenching news broke earlier this week, leaving fans and loved ones reeling.
Chris’ family, including his elder sister Camille Whitaker, is grappling with “awful pain” following the deaths of their youngest brother, Nicholas, who lost his battle with brain cancer in October at the age of 66, and Camille’s twin sister, Geraldine Milward, who died unexpectedly shortly after Nicholas’ funeral.
Camille expressed her devastation, stating, “It is gut-wrenching what happened. The family has been quite shocked by it. It is tragic. We can’t sort of get around it.” The Rea family, originally from Middlesbrough, has been through a tumultuous time, as Chris had only recently celebrated becoming a grandfather for the first time.
Despite battling health issues, including a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2001 and a stroke in 2016, Chris remained a beloved figure in the music world, known for his iconic festive hit, “Driving Home For Christmas.” The song, inspired by a journey from London to Middlesbrough in 1978, has gained renewed popularity in recent years, re-entering the UK Singles Chart annually since 2007.
Chris’ family has always been a significant part of his life. Camille described him as a “very shy and quiet man” who cherished his loved ones. She revealed that their father, an Italian immigrant, worked in a local ice cream factory, providing a modest upbringing for Chris and his six siblings.
In a poignant moment, Camille recounted her last conversation with Chris, just six days before his passing. “He lived with his wife and children in Buckinghamshire. He always kept very close to his family,” she said, reflecting on his deep connections. Chris is survived by his two daughters, Josephine and Julia, with Josephine having inspired one of his songs.
As fans and family alike mourn the loss of this musical icon, Chris Rea’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his timeless songs and the memories he created with his loved ones. The family requests privacy as they navigate this deeply challenging time.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge about Chris Rea’s life and impact on the music industry.
