Mark Linkous, frontman of the US alt-rock band Sparklehorse, has committed suicide.

The singer-songwriter, whose exact age was not known, died on Saturday (March 6).

In a statement to Rolling Stone, his family said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today.

“We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free.

“There’s a heaven and there’s a star for you.”

As well as releasing four albums with Sparklehorse, Linkous last year teamed up with producer Danger Mouse on a collaboration project.

Their joint album, ‘Dark Night Of The Soul’, was originally barred from release by EMI, but the record label last week lifted the ban.

It is due out this summer.

(by Jason Gregory)