Tom Parker's coffin carried into church by The Wanted bandmates

20 April 2022, 12:25

Tom Parker's coffin is carried into the church by The Wanted bandmates
Tom Parker's coffin is carried into the church by The Wanted bandmates. Picture: Getty/Alamy
Alice Dear

By Alice Dear

Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes acted as pallbearers at the funeral of their beloved bandmate Tom Parker.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Fans cry as Tom Parker's coffin is carried into funeral

The Wanted bandmates Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes looked heartbroken today as they carried Tom Parker's coffin into the church.

The entire band were in attendance at the funeral for Tom, who passed away at the age of 33 following a 17 month battle with brain cancer.

The bandmates, all dressed in black, came together at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Queensway to carry the black coffin from the hearse into the church for the service.

Tom Parker's bandmates from The Wanted carried his coffin from the hearse into the church
Tom Parker's bandmates from The Wanted carried his coffin from the hearse into the church. Picture: Alamy

The bandmates joined Tom's wife Kelsey at the funeral, who lead the cortege through the streets in Petts Wood.

The mother of Tom's two children looked understandably heartbroken as she joined the hundreds of fans lining the streets to pay tribute to the late singer.

Kelsey Parker watched as Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes carried Tom's coffin into the church
Kelsey Parker watched as Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes carried Tom's coffin into the church. Picture: Getty
The Wanted bandmates referred to Tom Parker as their 'brother' in their emotional tribute to the star
The Wanted bandmates referred to Tom Parker as their 'brother' in their emotional tribute to the star. Picture: Alamy
Kelsey Parker was supported by her family at the funeral of her beloved husband
Kelsey Parker was supported by her family at the funeral of her beloved husband. Picture: Getty

Tom and Kelsey wed in July 2018 and went on to welcome two children together; two-year-old Aurelia and 17-month-old Bodhi.

It was Kelsey who announced the death of her beloved husband on March 30, sharing in a message on Instagram that her "heart is broken".

The full announcement read:

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.

Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.

We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children.

Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you.

- Kelsey Parker
Jay McGuiness looked sombre as he carried Tom Parker's coffin with the rest of The Wanted bandmates
Jay McGuiness looked sombre as he carried Tom Parker's coffin with the rest of The Wanted bandmates. Picture: Alamy

The Wanted bandmates also paid tribute to Tom following his death, where they called him their "brother".

The full message read: "Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.

"Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts."

Trending Live Playlists on Global Player: The official Heart app!