X Factor star dies after being hit by a tram

X Factor

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The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent star Ray Boddington has died after being hit by a tram in Manchester

Ray, who was a member of street busking group, The Piccadilly Rats, was reportedly struck by a tram near the Arndale Centre in Manchester on Wednesday night, after performing at a local pub in the Northern Quarter.

Ray's son Daniel confirmed the news of his dad's death, telling the Manchester Evening News, "All of his family were there, at his bed. My dad would have wanted everybody in Manchester to know that he loved them all.

"I feel like my heart is shattered. I can't describe the way it feels."

Fans have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Ray, sharing photos and videos of his street performances across the years.

One user wrote, 'So so sad to hear that my lovely friend Ray has passed away. RIP Ray, I’ll always miss you. Keep dancing 💔 Heartbroken.' [sic]

Celebrities we've lost in 2019

Gallery

Celebrity Deaths 2019 - stacked USE THIS ONE

Freddie Starr, 761 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Freddie Starr, 76

Freddie Starr, of The Sun's "Freddie Starr ate my hamster" fame, was found dead in May at his home in Spain by a carer.

Celebrity Deaths 20192 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Annalise Braakensiek, 46

Former Play Your Cards Right model Annalise Braakensiek, who worked with TV legend Bruce Forsythe on the show, was found dead in her new house in January 2019. "Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment," she wrote on social media, shortly before her death. "Life's challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately."

Martha Ross3 of 19
CREDIT: Twitter

Martha Ross, 79

Jonathan Ross paid tribute to his mum Martha in January 2019 after she died aged 79, She played a stall-holder at Bridge Street Market in EastEnders.

Celebrity Deaths 20194 of 19

Karl Lagerfeld, 85

Fashion powerhouse and Creative Director of Chanel since 1983 and Fendi since 1965, Karl died in Paris in February following a brief period of ill health, continuing to work right up until his death.One of the most prolific and controversial figures in fashion, tributes have poured in for Karl following the tragic news. "Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, said today. "He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d'Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – 'continuing to embrace the present and invent the future'."

Peter Tork, 775 of 19

Peter Tork, 77

The bassist of 70's pop group the Monkees passed away peacefully at his home in February, aged 77. A statement from his family on his facebook page said,"Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.

Albert Finney, 826 of 19
CREDIT: Getty archive

Albert Finney, 82

Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",

Mark Hollis, 647 of 19
CREDIT: Getty archive

Mark Hollis, 64

Founder and front-man of 80's synthpop band Mark Hollis died age 64 in February from unspecified causes, with tributes to musician pouring in on Twitter."RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law," wrote Anthony Costelloe. "Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."And a former band mate said, "Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him."I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas."

Lisa Sheridan, 448 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Lisa Sheridan, 44

Actress Lisa Sheridan, best known for her roles in CSI: Miami and other US TV series', was found dead in her home aged just 44 in February.

Janice Freeman, 339 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Janice Freeman, 33

Janice Freeman, of The Voice fame, has died in March age 33. Her cause of death is thought to be a fatal blood caught caused by an extreme case of pneumonia. "A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's 'The Voice' as a member of Miley Cyrus' team," a statement said. "Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."

Luke Perry, 5210 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Luke Perry, 52

Actor Luke Perry, who starred in Beverly Hills 90210 and Netflix hit Riverdale, has died from a stroke age 52 in March.

Keith Flint, 4911 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Keith Flint, 49

Tributes from across the world of music and dance have poured in for The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, after he was found dead in his Essex property on Monday 4th March. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mike Thalassitis12 of 19
CREDIT: ITV

Mike Thalassitis, 26

Love Island 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex in March 2019.

Britain's Got Talent13 of 19
CREDIT: Instagram

Jack Saunders, 25

Britain's Got Talent finalist Jack Saunders died in March 2019. He was part of the dance troupe Green Force Five, and had also performed at the Olympics, 2012, as well as on X Factor and Sky's Got To Dance. His girlfriend Frankie has since spoken out about men's mental health, and the importance of seeking help.

Alex Mytton's mum14 of 19
CREDIT: Instagram

Alex Mytton's mum

Made in Chelsea's Alex Mytton's mum passed away after a short battle with brain cancer in March."You really were the kindest, most caring, beautiful all-round woman and undoubtedly the biggest force for good in my life," he wrote on Instagram. "I owe you infinitely for shaping me to be the man I am today."

Sandy Ratcliff, 7015 of 19
CREDIT: Getty Images

Sandy Ratcliff, 70

Mya-Lecia Naylor, 1616 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

Mya-Lecia Naylor, 16

CBBC fans have been left devastated following the news that TV star Mya-Lecia Naylor has died. The 16-year-old star, who appeared in TV shows Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, passed away on April 7th after collapsing.

Elsa Patton, 8417 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Elsa Patton, 84

Real Housewives of Miami star Elsa Patton passed away in May aged 84. She rose to fame after her daughter, Marysol Patton was cast in the Miami version of the Real Housewives franchise. "Our beloved Elsa Patton (AKA Mama Elsa) passed away over Mother's Day weekend after a long illness," the family said in a statement. "She was surrounded by her family and close friends. Elsa was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Donald Patton who passed away last February of 2018,"

Melissa Ede, 5818 of 19
CREDIT: Closer

Melissa Ede, 58

Trans lottery winner Melissa Ede, who once told Closer she hoped to outshine Caitlyn Jenner as a trans icon, passed away aged 58 in May 2019. She died less than a week after a 5-day hospital stay after showing 'classic signs' of a heart attack."It does make you think. While I was laid on the bed with ambulance people around me, you do start to think 's**t what is this all about?What am I doing, I have just won £4m and I'm going to peg it?'. I need to be doing more in life," she said.Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/13/transgender-national-lottery-winner-melissa-ede-dies-58-9511608/?ito=cbshareTwitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

Doris Day, 9719 of 19
CREDIT: Getty

Doris Day, 97

Hollywood icon Doris Day has died aged 97.Her roles in some of the biggest films from Hollywood's golden era, including Calamity Jane, Pillow Talk and her hit 1956 record Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be), made into one of the most celebrated film stars of all time.

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Another added, 'My sympathies to the family, friends & fans of Ray Boddington, frontman of the Piccadilly Rats, who has passed away. I took this shot of them in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester back in 2014. He really knew how to make people look up from their busy lives & pay attention'. [sic]

Ray has been no stranger to a TV appearance in recent years, the busker has appeared on The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, Judge Rinder and The Jeremy Kyle Show.

Our thoughts are with Ray's family and friends at this sad time.

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