LONDON, Jan 27 — British singer Black, known for his wistful 1980s hit “Wonderful Life,” died yesterday following a road accident, a statement on his Facebook page said.

The musician, real name Colin Vearncombe, never regained consciousness after a car crash 16 days ago and died in hospital in Cork, southern Ireland, surrounded by family members who were singing as he passed away.

“No need to laugh or cry/ It's a wonderful, wonderful life,” the statement concluded, quoting Black's most famous song.

The 53-year-old's funeral will be private but will be followed by a memorial service in his home city of Liverpool, northwest England.

News of his death was confirmed by a second statement on his official website.

Vearncombe was placed in an induced coma after the accident but his condition subsequently deteriorated badly, according to a Facebook update posted on Sunday.

“Wonderful Life” peaked at number eight in Britain's singles chart in 1987 and was also a big hit in a string of other European countries.

Although originally from Liverpool, the singer, who leaves a wife and three sons, had made Ireland his home. — AFP