'The love of my life is gone': Dolores O'Riordan's partner reveals 'broken heart'

DOLORES O'Riordan's D.A.R.K. band mate and partner Olé Koretsky has said his "heart is broken and it is beyond repair" at her sudden death this week.

Dolores had worked in recent years on a new collaboration with The Smiths’ bass player Andy O’Rourke and New York DJ and producer Koretsky on the collaboration called D.A.R.K, releasing an album called Science Agrees in September 2016.

In a statement issued this Wednesday evening, O’Rourke and Koretsky have spoken of their "overwhelming sadness" at the Limerick rock star's passing in a London hotel on Monday.

Band mate and partner Olé Koretsky said: "My friend, partner, and the love of my life is gone. My heart is broken and it is beyond repair. Dolores is beautiful. Her art is beautiful. Her family is beautiful. The energy she continues to radiate is undeniable. I am lost. I miss her so much. I will continue to stumble around this planet for some time knowing well there's no real place for me here now."

Andy Rourke said he was "heartbroken and devastated by the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of Dolores.

"I have truly enjoyed the years we spent together and feel privileged to call her a close friend. It was a bonus to work with her in our band D.A.R.K. and witness firsthand her breathtaking and unique talent. I will miss her terribly. I send my love and condolences to her family and loved ones," he added.

D.A.R.K had supported The Cranberries on a number of occasions, notably at the Bord Gais Energy show they played in May of last year.