Thoughts and prayers sent to Sinead O’Connor following the death of her 17-year-old son

Fans of the Irish singer Sinead O’Connor have sent their condolences, thoughts and prayers to the star after she announced that her 17-year-old son Shane, has died two days after he was reported missing.

In the early hours of 8th January O’Connor shared the news on her personal Twitter account, writing: “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.

“May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.”

The 55-year-old has also shared a picture of Shane, whose father is the Irish musician Dónal Lunny, as well as the Bob Marley song “Ride Natty Ride” adding: “This is for my Shaney. The light of my life. The lamp of my soul. My blue-eye baby. You will always be my light. We will always be together. No boundary can separate us.”

Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter

Many fans of the ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ singer have sent their thoughts and prayers after the tragic news was confirmed.

Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan shared a tribute to O’Connor and her son on his Twitter account writing: “He was a beautiful boy and I loved him. I pray that he can be at peace and also be able to stay connected with you. Love Shane.”

Irish police had appealed for information on Shane, who had gone missing on 6th January. The Gardaí then confirmed to the Irish Examiner on 8th January that their search had been stood down after a body was discovered Bray, County Wicklow.

A spokesperson for the Gardai said: “Following the recovery of a body in the Bray area of Wicklow on Friday, 7 January 2022, a Missing Person Appeal in respect of Shane O’Connor, 17 years, has been stood down.

“An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and public for their assistance in this matter. No further action is required and no further information is available at this time.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.