The Charlatans‘ drummer Jon Brookes has died, following several years of health problems.

A statement from the band confirmed the news this morning, stating that “Losing someone who was so full of life is a tragedy”. Brookes has suffered health problems for several years: initially diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010 after collapsing on stage, he dropped out of the group’s live shows for the rest of the year (immediate dates were postponed), before returning for the band’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve shows. He had a relapse in September 2012, and then a third operation this July.

It’s not the first time The Charlatans have lost a member in tragic circumstances: keyboardist Rob Collins died in a car accident in 1996, mid-way through recording the group’s fifth album Tellin’ Stories.