X Factor star and G4 band member Ben Thapa has died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 42.

The opera singer’s cause of death is currently unknown, though he had revealed he was in hospital last week after he shared a photo on his Instagram of a dialysis machine.

Thapa had previously shared updates on his social media boasting about his Covid vaccination status. “Got my vaccine: boom!” he wrote in May 2021. “Big day yesterday, worth it. Arm hurts like hell, though.”

Thapa also updated his Instagram profile picture with a custom frame from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), announcing “I’ve had my Covid vaccine.”

How long before we as a society can have an honest discussion about what is happening to the Covid-vaccinated before our eyes?

A few weeks prior to his death, Thapa revealed he underwent a nephrostomy in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on August 27 and said it was “hopefully the start of better things to come.” 

A nephrostomy is a tube that lets urine drain from the kidney through an opening in the skin on the back.

On July 9, Ben also hinted at another health scare as he shared a photo of an IV drip in his hand, but didn’t disclose why. 

The singer was a part of the band G4 and appeared in the competition in 2005, under Louis Walsh’s wing, with bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff.

The group’s Instagram account revealed the devastating news with a saddened posts alongside pictures of Ben.

It read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and great friend, Ben Thapa.

‘Words cannot express how we all feel right now… We understand that this will be heartbreaking news for so many others too and we send you our love and support as we all remember the amazing man and memories that he has left behind.

‘Ben has been such a major part of the international singing community and he was a critical part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love at this difficult time. RIP Ben xxxx’