The Osmond family's agonising heartbreaks and losses before death of brother Wayne
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Many of the Osmond siblings have tragic stories to tell. The talented family, famed for their barbershop quartet, has sadly experienced another loss this week with the death of Wayne Osmond. Wayne was 73 years old when he passed away on New Year's Day, and the second-oldest member of the original Osmond Brothers singers, alongside brothers Alan, Merrill and Jay.
Wayne's loved ones issued a statement which read: "Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children. His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world.".
It added: "He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly." Sadly, it's not the first tragedy to strike the Osmond family. Here, The Mirror takes a look back...
Wayne, who was married to former Miss Utah, Kathlyn White, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1997 at the age of 46. He was treated successfully but at the expense of his hearing. The treatment damaged his cochlea, leaving the father-of-five nearly deaf. The singer then had a stroke in 2012, which left him unable to play the guitar.
Merrill Osmond, 71, revealed to The Mirror in 2019 that he battles depression and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 30. The lead singer said he was at such a low point in his teen years, that he came close to taking his own life. Merrill said: "The depression has been with me forever. I still have bouts of it almost weekly.".
