Will Young’s twin brother Rupert dies aged 41
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Will Young’s twin brother, Rupert, has died aged 41.
The news was confirmed by a rep for the singer on Tuesday (4 August).
“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,” a spokesperson for Young said in a statement.
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but Rupert is known to have struggled with mental health issues in the past.
In an interview published in 2009, he opened up about his battle with alcoholism and his two suicide attempts.
After multiple stints in hospital, Rupert was finally diagnosed with dysthymia, a severe depressive mood disorder often triggered by a trauma.
Symptoms include an inability to sleep or focus, sensitivity to light and self-hatred.
Will posted this picture of his brother, Rupert, on his Instagram in 2015
“They just told me I was an addict and that was why I was the way I was. It took huge expense to get me to a safe place,” he said.
Rupert – who was born 10 minutes after Will – also spoke of his history of self-harming and trying to take his own life at the age of 20.
“I remember being in hospital at 5am and William turning up, impeccably dressed, ready to deal with everything. I was so grateful to him for coming,” he recalled.
In the summer of 2005, he enrolled in a 40-day programme at the Sierra Tuscon treatment centre in the Arizona desert.
Soon afterwards, Rupert set up The Mood Foundation in London to help others receive the same treatment.
Last month (July), Rupert shared his final Instagram post, a picture of himself and Will as children, with the caption: “1984.”
Will previously revealed that he and his family were once left with no choice but to temporarily cut ties with Rupert.
“It’s very tough having a family member who is an addict,” he said. “Me, my parents, my older sister, everyone. We all just had to walk away.
In 2015, the former Pop Idol winner disclosed that he had been diagnosed with PTSD, which he believes was a result of hiding his sexuality.
Will, Rupert and their elder sister Emma grew up in Hungerford, Berkshire.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.