Ben Thapa’s heartbreaking final photos show the former X Factor star was in a positive mood before undergoing dialysis treatment.
The G4 band member has died at the age of 42 and emotional tributes have poured in for the “great friend and wonderful man” after his “sudden” death was announced on Monday.
In the last photos he shared on his Instagram account in the past two weeks, the singer was seen in good spirits and looking forward to his recovery.
In a photo posted on August 27, the star gave the camera a thumbs up as he lay in a hospital bed in a surgical gown following his nephrostomy surgery at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
A nephrostomy is a tube that allows urine to drain through an opening in the skin at the back of the kidney.
Ben Thapa’s heartbreaking final photos show the former X Factor star was in a positive mood before he went on dialysis (pictured August 27)
In his last photos, which he shared on his Instagram account over the past two weeks, the singer was in good spirits and looking forward to his recovery
The G4 band member has died at the age of 42 and emotional tributes have poured in for the “great friend and wonderful man” after his “sudden” death was announced on Monday
In another photo, posted less than a week before his death, the tenor showed off his dialysis machine and joked alongside his photo: “Meet my new dialysis buddy. What should we call them? X.”
Ben seemed positive and looking forward to new things, as he captioned the photo: ‘Emergency nephrostomy performed… hopefully the start of better things to come! #peeabag’.
In another photo, posted less than a week before his tragic death, the tenor showed off his new dialysis machine.
Ben seemed optimistic about the health update, jokingly captioning his photo: “Meet my new dialysis buddy. What should we call them? X.”
His death was announced in a moving post on his band’s Instagram.
The singer was part of the band G4 and appeared on The X Factor in 2005, hosted by Louis Walsh, with bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff.
The group’s Instagram account posted the devastating news in a post on Monday.
It read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and dear friend, Ben Thapa.
‘Words cannot express how we are all feeling right now… We understand this is heartbreaking news for so many others and we send you our love and support as we all remember this amazing man and the memories he left behind.
The singer was part of the band G4 and entered the competition in 2005 (Ben is pictured centre left with his bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff)
The group’s Instagram account revealed the devastating news with a sad message alongside photos of Ben
On July 9, Ben also hinted at another health crisis when he shared a photo of an IV in his hand, but he didn’t specify why.
‘Ben has been such an important part of the international singing community and he has been a crucial part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Ben xxxx
Just a month ago, Ben posted cheerful selfies while drinking cocktails at a football match in Hove.
After G4 posted the devastating news, fans responded en masse with their heartfelt messages of support for Ben.
Some wrote: ‘A complete shock and utterly heartbreaking for all who knew him. Love to you all. RIP Ben x’,
‘I’m so sorry to hear this news. What a terrible shock. Thinking of you all xx’,
“What a shock. And what a lovely guy. My thoughts are with everyone who knew him,”
‘So sorry to hear such sad news. Sending love to you all ‘,
“I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with Ben’s family and all of you.”
The cause of death is currently unknown. The tenor revealed that he was in the hospital last week after sharing a photo of a dialysis machine on his Instagram
G4 rose to fame in 2004 when they came second in the first series of X Factor, with Steve Brookstein as champions (the band are pictured with Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh)
Just a month ago, Ben posted happy selfies while drinking cocktails at a football match in Hove
“You will always be in our hearts. Thank you for all the beautiful moments you gave us and for all the music from the heart.”
The artist group Steven Swales posted a tribute to Ben on their website.
They wrote: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ben Thapa after a short illness. It was a great privilege to know and work with him. Ben was known for his performances in oratorios, opera and as a member of the singing group G4.
‘He will be missed by many and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.’
G4 rose to fame in 2004 when they finished second in the first season of The X Factor, with Steve Brookstein as the winner.
The group had signed a £1.5 million album deal with Sony after finishing second in the show.
Following G4’s success on X Factor, the group split in 2007 due to disagreements between the members.
In 2014, the band reunited to celebrate their 10th anniversary and performed numerous shows across the country.
The group had signed a £1.5 million album deal with Sony after finishing second on the show, but split in 2007 due to disagreements
In 2014 the band reunited to celebrate their 10th anniversary and performed around the country. They released an album for Christmas in 2015
In 2015 they released an album for Christmas. Ben left the group in 2018, but continued to perform solo.
The band currently consists of original members tenor Ansell and baritone Christie. After the departure of Lewis Raines in 2023, Jai McDowall has joined.