[UPDATED] Soca star Ricardo Drue dies

SOCA star Ricardo Drue’s death on Tuesday resulted in an outpouring of grief from the artistic community.

Drue, 38, died on Tuesday in Antigua, reports said. The Antiguan star, known for hits such as Vagabond and Professional, was also a frontline singer with the A Team band.

The reports out of Antigua said he was pronounced dead at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre at noon on Tuesday.

His death was confirmed by his fiancée and fellow soca star Patrice Roberts’ publicist, Adanna Asson.

“On behalf of my client Patrice Roberts, I wish to confirm the untimely passing of her fiancé Ricardo Drue. This is an absolutely devastating time for Patrice as she tries to grasp the concept of this tragedy.

“Please keep her, his daughter Lyara, his sons and his entire family and their friends in your thoughts.”

Drue's family also posted a statement on his Facebook account on Tuesday evening, thanking the public for their messages of condolence.

“It was evident that Ricardo was truly loved and we are consoled knowing that his impact extended worldwide. His sudden passing has left us all shattered and as such, we are asking for privacy as we make sense of this devastating loss,” the family's statement said.

Fellow artistes quickly shared their condolences to Roberts, their daughter, his family and friends.

Roberts posted a video of them on her Instagram page and said, “I’d do anything to hear your voice, wake up!!!!!!!!!”

She received an outpouring of support from people.

Destra Garcia said, “Condolences Patsy, I’m so sorry babe. Hard to tell you to stay strong at this time, this is a hard one!

“Prayers going up for you and Lilli. Drue darling, may you sleep in peace. You are already missed.”

The A team band said their hearts were heavy with shock and disbelief as it mourned Drue’s untimely passing. Their statement said he was a cherished band member, a dear brother and a friend.

“We struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, as Ricardo’s vibrant spirit and undeniable talent touched the lives of so many.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his fiancée and our sister in music, Patrice Roberts, his children and his entire family during this difficult time,” it said.

The National Carnival Commission (NCC) said it joined with the soca community in TT and regionally in celebrating Drue’s life.

Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell also sent condolences to Drue's relatives and friends.

“The soca fraternity and indeed, the Carnival community have suffered a great loss with his passing. His years of work as an entertainer have undoubtedly helped to spread the soca genre across the world and brought happiness to many. He certainly will not be forgotten.”

The Copyright Music Organisation of TT (COTT) also acknowledged his passing. It said in a Facebook post, Drue was Antiguan by birth and moved to Cocoyea, San Fernando when he was four. It said he was a staple on TT's music scene. He had been a COTT member since 2009 and was the registered author and composer of 54 songs.

COTT said Drue was a force to be reckoned with, who blazed a trail across the region and forever changed the music landscape with his invaluable contributions.

“His sudden passing comes as a shock to many of us. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones, in particular, to his fiancée Ms Patrice Roberts, and pray that they find the strength and courage to carry on during this most difficult time,” it said.

Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez said, “I am not supposed to be posting another RIP when just Sunday you spoke to us. Rest in power Ricardo Drue, you will be missed this rounds. Condolences to your family and children. Smh, not again.”

Internationally, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association also sent its condolences to Roberts and his family. The organisation, known for Brooklyn's Labor Day parade and festival, said he was a "true cultural catalyst" and a steadfast contributor to New York Carnival.

Similarly, the Miami Broward One Carnival chair Joan Hinkson-Justin said the Miami Carnival organisers were devastated by his sudden passing. It said he graced their stage multiple times throughout the last decade and left an indelible mark with his infectious energy and voice.

It added that his absence will be keenly felt across the entire Carnival community.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Soca star Ricardo Drue has died.

Drue was the fiancé of fellow soca star Patrice Roberts. They were engaged last year.

The Antigua Observer and the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Services, among other media houses, reported that Drue was pronounced dead at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre around noon on Tuesday.

On her Instagram page, Roberts posted a video of her and Drue with the comment, "I'd do anything to hear your voice, wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Drue had been taken to the hospital after being found unresponsive, the report from Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Services said.

Newsday will bring more on this story as it develops.