British band Viola Beach and manager die when car plunges off bridge in Sweden

All four members of British indie band Viola Beach and their manager have died in a road crash in Sweden following their first international gig, family members said Sunday, with their vehicle plunging 25 metres off an open bridge into a canal.

“We can confirm that our son Craig, along with four members of the band Viola Beach, were involved in a fatal accident in the early hours of Saturday morning,” said a statement issued by the family of manager Craig Tarry.

“Craig was a warm, loving person who had worked tirelessly to achieve success and follow his dreams within the music industry,” it added.

The family of guitarist River Reeves said they were “heartbroken” by the news.

“Viola Beach were on such an exciting journey and River could not have been happier. He would have loved to have stuck around for the party,” said a family statement.

“All River wanted to do was perform and entertain and to think that he will never make us laugh again with his ridiculous impressions and cheeky banter is beyond comprehension. We are so proud of him.”