US country music star Jake Flint died suddenly at the age of 37, just hours after getting married.
The Oklahoma-based singer-songwriter died in his sleep after getting married to wife Brenda on Saturday.
His heartbroken bride posted on Facebook: ‘We should go through the wedding photos but instead I have to pick out the clothes to bury my husband.
“People are not made to feel so much pain.
“My heart is gone and I really need it to come back.
“I can’t take much more. I need him here.”
She also shared a photo of the couple dancing after their wedding on Facebook, writing, “I don’t understand.”
Mr Flint’s publicist, Clif Doyal, said the musician died in his sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday 27 November.
“Flint exchanged wedding vows with Brenda Wilson on Saturday. He was 37 years old.
“No official cause of death has been determined.”
In a statement shared by Mr Doyal, Mr Flint’s family said they were “devastated” over the “tragic loss” of their beloved son, brother, uncle and partner, known to them as Jacob.
“He valued his family, his friendships and his life to the fullest, which was evident in his songwriting.
“Every person who knew him has a story of his wit, charm, talent and compassion.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and the many beautiful tributes that have been shared about the impact Jacob has had on many lives.
“While we grieve for what we know could have been, we are grateful that his talent and love live on in his songs.”
A service for Mr. Flint will be held Monday at Cedar Point Church in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Instead of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Red Dirt Relief Fund, an organization that provides emergency assistance grants to musicians in need.
A fundraising campaign was also launched to raise money for the family of Mr Flint, described as a “great man in our music community”.
The musician was in the midst of a multi-state tour and was scheduled to perform in Claremore on Friday.
His former manager, Brenda Cline, said she “loved him dearly like a son”, calling him “the funniest, most exhilarating, most committed and dedicated artist I’ve ever worked with in my career”.
“Jake has a million friends and I’m not sure how everyone will cope with this tragic loss,” she wrote on Facebook.
“It’s going to be incredibly difficult for so many. We love you Jake and in our hearts forever.”
