Sparklehorse singer Mark Linkous has committed suicide, aged 47.

His manager Shelby Meade told the New York Times that he had shot himself in the heart in an alley outside his friend's home.

Linkous, who released his first album Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot in 1995, will also appear on the forthcoming Dark Night Of The Soul collaboration with Danger Mouse.

His family told Rolling Stone: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today.

"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."

Our thoughts are with Mark's family and friends at this time.