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British rock star Joe Murphy has died aged 46 five years after a devastating car crash.
The bassist was part of pop-punk band Koopa, who made history as the first group to enter the UK Top 40 through digital downloads.
The group, which consisted of Joe and brothers Stuart and Ollie Cooper, hailed from near Colchester, and were best known for their hit Blag, Steal & Borrow in 2007.
However Joe was tragically involved in a car crash back in 2021 after he suffered a cardiac arrest while behind the wheel and since then his health has deteriorated.
On Tuesday his sister Hollie took to social media to confirm his death but did not disclose the cause.
She wrote: 'For those who knew him, it breaks my heart to say that my big brother, Joe Murphy has passed away. Love you big bro.'
Brit rock star Joe Murphy from punk-pop band Koopa has died aged 46 five years after devastating car crash (pictured in 2007)
Joe suffered a cardiac arrest while driving in 2021 and was left fighting for his life.
He was rushed to hospital and spent weeks in a critical condition in intensive care.
Following the crash, his sister Hollie said: 'The whole family have been so touched by the love and messages since Joe has been in hospital.
'We are truly touched and moved by the support he has received.'
Essex Rocks Creative CIC said: 'We've left it for a few days so everyone can digest the sad information that our friend Joe Murphy has passed on.
'Joe and his band Koopa were a massive part of our formative years as promoters in the mid 2000s and we feel privileged to have known him on a personal level and worked with him as a musician.
'Keep playing those riffs Joe.'
Joe was hailed as a 'legend' by local band The Broken Johnny's who penned: 'Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of local legend Joe Murphy from the band Koopa.
The group, which consisted of Joe and brothers Stuart (L) and Ollie Cooper (R), hailed from near Colchester, and were best known for their hit Blag, Steal & Borrow in 2007
'Grew up with these guys and saw them supporting Special Duties at Colchester Arts Centre before they went off to America.
'May Joe Rest In Peace now.'
Koopa made history as the first ever unsigned act to ever enter the UK Top 40.
After their hit single reached 31 in the UK charts the band won two awards at the Glasswerk New Music Awards.
The band toured the UK between 2004 and 2007 and opened the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007.
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