Awaken I Am's Connor Verner-Oakley Has Passed Away

Awaken I Am guitarist Connor Verner-Oakley has tragically passed away.

The Brisbane band announced the devastating news on social media, remembering Connor's "positive attitude, passion for music and his cheeky grin".

Read the full statement below:

Our heart is broken, we have lost our beautiful brother Connor in a tragic accident.

Connor was family, our little brother and an irreplaceable part of what makes us a band. It’s hard to explain the bond between band members, we spent so much time together making music, playing shows, experiencing new cultures and most importantly laughing.

To have lost him is completely devastating, he brought so much light and love to the band with his positive attitude, passion for music and his cheeky grin.

As broken as we feel, to not continue is not an option. Music was Connor’s dream, we shared that dream with him and we hope to make him proud by keeping that dream alive. Dissolution was the last track we had the privilege of recording with Connor, he was so proud of it.

We love you brother, we will never stop missing you.

Watch the video for Connor's last song, Dissolution:

Kerrang! would like to send our deepest sympathies to Connor's family, friends and bandmates in this sad time. RIP.