In the early hours of February the 14th, Swedish police officials confirmed the death of all four member of Viola Beach and their manager.

Guitarist and lead vocals Kris Leonard, 20; guitarist River Reeves, 19; drummer Jack Dakin, 19; bassist Tomas Lowe, 27; and manager Craig Tarry, 32; were driving near Stockholm when their vehicle was plunged more than 82ft through a gap in a highway drawbridge, which was opened for a passing ship.

The bridge contains a barrier to block the opening, along with flashing lights and warning signs to indicate the gap. Case inspector Martin Bergholm said, “For some reason, the car drove through the barriers and crashed down into the canal." 

The indie-pop band was in Sweden for a Friday performance at Where’s The Music? Festival in Norrköping. They travelled from their home in Warrington to play what was their first international gig. That Saturday, they were on route to play in Guilford. A fellow musician who also played at Where's The Music? confirmed that driver, Craig, had not been drinking.

The Foreign and Commonwealth office issued a statement on behalf of Reeves' family, saying, “We are all heartbroken following River's tragic death and the circumstances which have seen him lose his life alongside the bandmates and manager he adored and loved being with. 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."

Fans and fellow artists shared kind, consoling words in memory of Viola Beach. John Olsson of Psykofant stated, “We shared a dressing room. They were fantastic people to be around. Very happy and chirpy. With their charming British accents, they were like the Beatles in 'A Hard Day's Night.'"

Very sad to hear the awful news about Warrington's Viola Beach and their manager. Lives and music tragically cut short in their prime.

— James Walsh (@jamesstarsailor) February 14, 2016

https://twitter.com/billybragg/status/698842991805534209

In response to the devastating news, a campaign was launched by the band's local newspaper, the Warrington Guardian, asking fans to download their single "Swings & Waterslides", to make it on the top charts.

Additionally, their label, Fuller Beans Records, announced that all proceeds will be donated to the families. 

You can buy their single on iTunes

Image: BBC