Aston Merrygold has paid tribute to an ‘original JLS member’ who died aged just 35 and was buried on Monday.
The 35-year-old singer shared a moving, heartfelt message on Instagram after backup dancer Jack Pointer Mackenzie tragically passed away.
His cause of death remains unknown.
The talented dancer toured with the pop group throughout their career from 2009 to 2021, after finding fame on the X Factor.
Aston, who recently revealed he and wife Sarah Louise are expecting a third child, wrote: ‘RIP captain. Original JLS team member!’
Tragic: Aston Merrygold, 35, (pictured in March) has paid tribute to an ‘original JLS member’ who died on Monday aged 35
Terrible: Talented backup dancer Jack Pointer Mackenzie (pictured) toured with the pop group throughout their career from 2009 to 2021, after they shot to fame on the X Factor
Sad news: Aston (left with bandmates Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes and JB Gill in 2021) took to Instagram to share a touching, heartfelt message after Jack tragically passed away
The father-of-two also shared a throwback video of Jack dancing on stage with the band.
He wrote: ‘Captain Jack always with the vibe of 2009 and beyond!!
‘A phenomenal team member!’
Band members Marvin Humes, 38, Ortise Williams, 36, and JB Gill, 36, also paid their respects via their group JLS Instagram account.
The same message read: ‘RIP to Captain Jack… a JLS dancer on day one.’
Aston’s wife Sarah also shared a tribute to Jack on her Instagram, writing: Fly high Jack’.
Jack has worked with a number of A-stars throughout his career, including Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello and Hozier.
Before Jack’s career really took off with the JLS band, he appeared on the X Factor, Alan Carr and The Graham Norton Show.
Sad: Jack (right) pictured with a co-backing dancer on the X Factor
Incredible: Jack (left) has worked with a number of A-stars throughout his career, including Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello and Hozier (pictured center)
Tribute: Aston also shared a throwback video of Jack dancing on stage with the band
Terrible: A close friend of Jack’s, who also toured with JLS, shared a tribute on Instagram on Tuesday after hearing the devastating news of his death
Respect: Aston’s wife Sarah also shared a tribute to Jack on her Instagram, writing: Fly high Jack’
Touching: Friends, family and people from Base Dance Studios, where he taught, all flocked to Instagram to pay their respects
In 2016, the dancer was asked to choreograph JLS’ UK tour, traveling with the group for two months.
A close friend of Jack’s, who also toured with JLS, shared a tribute on Instagram on Tuesday after hearing the devastating news of his death.
Anthony wrote: ‘Yesterday I said goodbye to a good friend who we lost far too soon: Jack ‘the Captain’ Pointer Mackenzie.
‘From touring with JLS to being the ‘official’ photographer at my wedding, I will always remember him for his infectious laugh, his poetic way of expressing himself (both verbally and through his dance moves) and his music recommendations which have shaped my playlists for years.
‘As a dancer and choreographer he was distinctive and full of character. If you haven’t seen any of his work yet, check out the moving video for Hozier’s Work Song, which I believe he choreographed with Jillian Meyers.”
“Above all, he was a solid, solid comrade. We will all miss you. Rest in peace Jack’.
Friends, family and people from Base Dance Studios, where he taught, all flocked to Instagram to pay their respects.
Some wrote: ‘Not Jack, I hadn’t seen him in years, but what a sweet soul and infectious spirit he had. I can’t believe it, rest assured, my man.’
Yes! Aston and his wife Sarah Louise announced last week that they are expecting their third child
Sweet: The JLS star and Sarah Louise already share their two sons, Grayson, five, and Macaulay, three
‘A great loss for the community. Love for his near and dear ones. Fly High Jack’.
‘No words, so talented and a genuinely sweet person.’
‘Such a pity! RIP Jack, thinking of his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
‘The most authentic, beautiful and talented person’.
The sad news comes after Aston, who already has two sons Grayson, five, and Macaulay, three with Sarah, announced she is pregnant last week.
The singer shared a sweet video montage on social media showing Grayson and Macaulay announcing they were going to be brothers, while also showing off their scan and positive pregnancy test.
A sweet video then showed the boys kissing on an ultrasound scan and then cheering over the happy news with their mum and dad, who got married in September last year.