Heartbreaking final photos of Ben Thapa show the former X-Factor star was in good spirits before receiving dialysis treatment.
The G4 band member has died aged 42 and emotional tributes have poured in for the “great friend and amazing man” after his “sudden” death was announced on Monday.
In his latest photos, shared on his Instagram account over the past two weeks, the singer appears in good spirits and looking forward to his recovery.
In a snapshot, posted on August 27, the star gave a thumbs up to the camera as he lay in a hospital bed in a gown following his nephrostomy operation at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
A nephrostomy is a tube that allows urine to drain from the kidney through an opening in the skin on the back.
Ben Thapa’s heartbreaking final photos show the former X-Factor star was in good spirits before being put on dialysis (pictured Aug. 27)
In his latest photos, shared on his Instagram account over the past two weeks, the singer appeared in good spirits and looking forward to his recovery.
The G4 band member has died aged 42 and emotional tributes have poured in for the “great friend and amazing 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 jokingly wrote: “Meet my new dialysis friend. What are we gonna call him? X.”
Ben seemed positive and was looking forward to new things, as he captioned the photo: ‘Emergency nephrostomy done… hopefully the start of better things to come! #peeinabag’.
In another photo, published less than a week before his tragic death, the tenor showed off his new dialysis machine.
Ben seemed upbeat about the health update and jokingly captioned his photo: “Meet my new friend on dialysis. What shall we call him? X.”
His death was announced in an emotional post on his band’s Instagram.
The singer was part of the band G4 and appeared on The X Factor in 2005, under the wing of Louis Walsh, with her bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff.
The group’s Instagram account revealed the devastating news in a post on Monday.
It said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and great friend, Ben Thapa.
‘Words cannot express how we are all feeling right now… We understand this will be heartbreaking news for many others as well and we send our love and support as we all remember the incredible man and the memories he has left behind.
The singer was part of the band G4 and appeared in the competition in 2005 (Ben is pictured centre left with bandmates Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff)
The group’s Instagram account revealed the devastating news with sad posts alongside photos of Ben.
On July 9, Ben also hinted at another health issue when he shared a photo of an IV drip in his hand, but he didn’t reveal why.
‘Ben has been a huge part of the international singing community and was a key part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Ben xxxx
Last month, Ben posted happy selfies while sipping cocktails at a football match in Hove.
After G4 published the devastating news, fans flocked to the comments to share heartfelt tributes about Ben.
Some wrote: “It was a total shock and very heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. Sending my love to you all. Rest in peace Ben.”
“I’m so sorry to hear this news. What a terrible surprise. Thinking of you all xx.”
“It was a surprise. He was also a very nice guy. My thoughts are with all of us who knew him.”
“I’m so sorry to hear such sad news. I send you all my love “
“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 hospitalized last week after sharing a photo on his Instagram of a dialysis machine.
G4 rose to fame in 2004 when they finished second in the first series of X Factor, with Steve Brookstein crowned champions (the band are pictured with Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh).
Last month, Ben posted happy selfies while sipping 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.’
Steven Swales’ artist management group posted a tribute to Ben on its website.
They wrote: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death, after a short illness, of Ben Thapa. It was a great privilege to know and work with him. Ben was well known for his performances in oratorios, opera and as a member of the vocal group G4.
“He will be missed by many and our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”
G4 rose to fame in 2004 when it finished second in the first series of The X Factor, with Steve Brookstein crowned champion.
The group had landed a £1.5 million album deal with Sony after finishing second on the show.
Following G4’s success on X Factor, the group disbanded in 2007, citing disagreements between members.
In 2014, the band reunited to celebrate their 10th anniversary and performed numerous shows across the country.
The group had secured a £1.5 million album deal with Sony after finishing second on the show, but disbanded in 2007 over disagreements.
In 2014, the band reunited to celebrate their 10th anniversary and played numerous shows across the country. They released an album for Christmas in 2015.
They released an album for Christmas in 2015. Ben left the group in 2018 but continued performing solo.
The band currently consists of original members tenor Ansell and baritone Christie, who were joined by Jai McDowall after Lewis Raines left in 2023.
