Chris Rea Dies at 74 After Short Illness

British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, renowned for his gravelly voice and the holiday staple "Driving Home for Christmas," died on December 22 at age 74 after a short illness. He passed away peacefully in a hospital, surrounded by family members, according to a statement from his wife and two daughters.

The announcement came from a spokesperson on behalf of his wife, Joan, and daughters, Josephine and Julia. "It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris," the statement read. "He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family." Details about the specific illness were not disclosed.

Rea's death marks the third loss in his family within three months, compounding grief for his relatives. Born Christopher Anton Rea on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, England, he was one of seven children to an Italian father and Irish mother. His older sister, Camille Whitaker, 79, told reporters that their youngest sibling, Nicholas, died in October at 66 from brain cancer. Days after Nicholas's funeral, Whitaker's twin sister, Geraldine Milward, passed away suddenly. "It is an awful pain. It is gut-wrenching what...