"Totally bereft": Andrew Lloyd Webber's tragic family news
Andrew Lloyd Webber has shared the devastating news that his eldest son has died.
The legendary composer said he was "shattered" to confirm the news that his son Nicholas, 43, had passed away after a battle with gastric cancer.
The 75-year-old Oscar-winning composer shared the news on Twitter on Saturday, writing, "I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital."
"His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. - ALW".
The heart-breaking news comes just weeks after it was revealed that Nicholas, who was also a composer, has been moved into hospice care due to a bout of pneumonia.
In a statement to People magazine, Andrew gave the update that “as my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised."
“I, therefore, have not been able to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and, as things stand, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday."
"We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner," Webber continued. "He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, but at the moment my place is with him and the family."
Stars from the world of musical theatre, politicians, celebrities and close family friends paid tribute to Nicholas as the sad news emerged.
Image credits: Getty Images