Will Young is said to be devastated following the death of his twin brother Rupert, who has battled with mental health issues.
41-year-old Rupert, who was born ten minutes after Will, spoke previously about his struggles with depression and alcoholism.
Circumstances surrounding Rupert’s death remain unclear, though a spokesperson for the Young family said they have been left wracked by grief over their loss.
A friend told The Sun: “Will’s relationship with Rupert had been tough over the years at times, and they had both spoken about the mental health problems which had made it challenging.
“But there were hopes he had turned a corner and they are a very loving family – and utterly devastated by his passing.”
Rupert had been diagnosed with dysthymia – a depressive mood disorder – in 2005.
He previously admitted he struggled with living his famous brother’s shadow.
Speaking in a 2008 interview with The Telegraph, Rupert said: “I woke up one morning and turned on the TV. There was William on Richard & Judy, giving the most amazing performance of one of his songs.
“I had spent the night before drinking with tramps in a car park and cutting myself.
“It seemed bizarre to me that two people who are genetically the same could behave in such different ways.
“I realised that something had gone very wrong. But I didn’t know what, or why, and nor did anyone else.”
Troubled Rupert said he was then in and out of hospital ‘more than ten times’.
“I saw the top doctors and psychiatrists in the country, but the mental health system here is overloaded…I was never actually properly assessed.
“They just told me I was an addict and that was why I was the way I was,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Will said this evening: “I can confirm that Will’s brother has very sadly passed away.
“We would like to request privacy for Will and his family during this very difficult and sad time.”
Daily Mirror
