Ryan Howell, who appeared on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ with choir Only Boys Aloud, has died, at the age of 18.
The aspiring singer died after suffering a collapsed lung, having been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, Ewing sarcoma, last year.
Speaking after her son's death, his mother, Donna recalls his "infectious smile", telling the South Wales Argus: “He had difficulty breathing. His lung collapsed. That’s when he passed away. He died in my arms.
Ryan Howell was suffering from bone cancer
Donna adds that she will now cherish the recordings of her son on with Only Boys Aloud on the ITV talent show.
The group - who finished in third place on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2012 - dedicated a performance to their friend last weekend.
Only Boys Aloud appeared on 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2012
Only Boys Aloud executive director Rachel Dominy said: “We were aware of what’s happened. We are deeply shocked and saddened by it.”
The official Twitter account for the group also paid tribute to Ryan, adding: “We were deeply saddened to hear the news about Ryan. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.”
His funeral will take place next week in the Welsh town of Cwmbran, with over 100 friends and family expected to attend.
Watch Ryan performing with Only Boys Aloud on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ below...