The Cranberries lead singer news: Dies at 46

Irish band The Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan performs live at Dublin's Castle on April 29, 2000.REUTERS/Ferran Paredes

The female frontwoman and vocalist of the band The Cranberries, Dolores O'Riordan, has already tragically passed away. The news came as a shock to her close personal friends and relatives, since her passing was so sudden. The Irish singer passed away last Monday, Jan. 15, in London, and left fans around the world grieving since another great talent is taken away. 

As reported by People, O'Riordan's longtime friend Eleven Seven International Managing Director Dan Waite revealed the demise of the Irish lead singer -- who was 46 years old. Before O'Riordan passed away, she sent Waite a voice message after midnight, expressing her tremendous love and admiration for a cover version of the Cranberries' 1994 hit song "Zombie" by the band Bad Wolves.

According to Waite, O'Riordan sounded lively in the message, with no indication of what was to come in the next few hours. O'Riordan was working on recording for one of her projects a few hours before her demise. At this point, the cause of death has not yet been determined, and was not immediately apparent, as stated by her publicist, Lindsey Holmes. The 46-year-old singer is survived by her children, her mother, and her now ex-husband, Don. 

It is understandable that O'Riordan's immediate family and close personal friends have asked the media for their privacy and to allow them some time to grieve before any inquiries can be made. Perhaps it is notable to mention that O'Riordan was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and constantly battled depression throughout her career that began after the death of her father. However, this may not be the reason as to why she passed away so suddenly. 

Whatever the case may be, the impact that The Cranberries has on Ireland and the rest of the world is undeniable. The Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, paid tribute to the band and to O'Riordan in a public statement saying that the artist's death is truly a "big loss" to the country.