Death of 'Fame Academy' star Gary Phelan in Dubai shocks fans

Almost every day, we receive sad news about young people, among whom death is claiming ever more lives. Just a few days ago, we said goodbye to an actor known from the series "Elite School," who passed away far too soon.

This time, the media reported the passing of a singer just one year older. At the age of 42, Gary Phelan, a British artist who gained significant popularity appearing in the 2003 TV show "Fame Academy," regarded as the musical equivalent of "Big Brother," died. The contestants, living together in a camera-equipped residence, prepared for weekly stage performances.

After participating in the talent show watched by millions, Phelan fully dedicated himself to music. Despite his composing skills, he never decided to publish original material. For many years, he could be admired in British pubs, where he performed covers of globally famous hits.

Last year, Gary Phelan decided to emigrate to the United Arab Emirates, hoping to improve his financial situation. He rented a flat in Dubai, where his body was found in mid-August.

I am so sad to share the tragic news that my buddy, my friend and artist I managed Gary Phelan was found in his apartment in Dubai at the weekend. I am beyond devastated and can’t as yet put into words how this news has left his family and friends feeling. He was loved by so many people and I am already missing our chats, his sending me his latest song he’d written and the general banter we had. We did some amazing things together, he was everything you could ask of a friend. I’m truly heart broken - wrote Simon Hanning, the artist's manager, in a moving post.

An online fundraiser was conducted to bring the man's body back to his home country. His friend announced after less than a week that it had been successful.

To date, the official cause of death of the 42-year-old has not been confirmed.