Sparklehorse singer Mark Linkous dies

Sparklehorse frontman Mark Linkous has committed suicide, his family confirmed in a statement to Rolling Stone magazine.

The Virginia-born musician, whose age was not public but who was believed to be in his 40s, was regarded by many as a hero of America's alternative rock scene.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member Mark Linkous took his own life today," the family said. "We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you."

Linkhous's work included collaborations with Tom Waits, PJ Harvey and Danger Mouse. A year after the release of his first Sparklehorse LP Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot in 1995, he 'died' for two minutes after taking a mix of Valium and antidepressants while supporting Radiohead on tour in the UK.

Following a drawn out recovery, he went on to record 1999's Good Morning Spider, 2001's It's A Wonderful Life and 2006's Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain.