'The Prodigy' bandmate says frontman Keith Flint died by suicide
The Prodigy have confirmed Keith Flint died by suicide in an emotional statement.
Bandmate Liam Howlett turned to social media to claim he was "shellshocked, f**kin angry, confused and heartbroken" after the iconic frontman was found dead this morning at his home in Dunmow, Essex, aged 49.
"The news is true , I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend," he wrote on Instagram. "I’m shell shocked , fuckin angry , confused and heart broken ..... r.i.p brother Liam [sic]"
On Twitter, the remaining members of the band added that the musician was "a true pioneer, innovator and legend" who would be "forever missed".
"It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint. A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time," they wrote.
According to reports, paramedics attempted to resuscitate Flint when he was discovered unconscious around 8am this morning, but the star was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are not treating the death as suspicious.
A spokesman for Essex police said: "We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man at an address in Brook Hill, North End, just after 8.10am on Monday. We attended and, sadly, a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
In addition, a spokeswoman for East of England Ambulance claimed: "We were called at 8.08am with reports of a man who was unconscious in Brook Hill, Dunmow. We sent an ambulance officer, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and one ambulance. Sadly a man in his forties died at the scene."
After the English singer's passing was announced, tributes began to pour in on social media.
Punk and folk singer-songwriter Frank Turner named him as "one of the greats", writing: "Absolutely gutted to hear about Keith Flint's passing. One of the greats. Best live show I ever saw. RIP."
Recording artist Beverley Knight also claimed the world had "lost a Titan", putting: "I just heard, and I am heartbroken. Once the most innovative, fearless, ballsy bands to grace a stage and Keith was perfection up front. We have lost a Titan 💔".
In addition, English electronic music duo Chase & Status thanked Flint for the "life-changing music" he made, putting: "Absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news that the legend Keith Flint from @the_prodigy has passed away. Our thoughts & condolences are with all his friends and family. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Keith and the life changing music they made and championed. RIP".