Derrick Lara, the singer and drummer with The Tamlins, has died at the age of 61.

Lara who had been battling lung cancer for some time passed away on February 13 according to a statement from his family that was published on his personal Facebook page.

The statement read in part, “Daddy held strong throughout his life as a believer in God, the son, and the holy spirit. Last night, Daddy was brought home by ambulance to the family home to be with his family. He passed on Thursday morning with a calm smile.”

Derrick Lara had been fighting lung cancer, a fact made public in December last year, followed by an influx of well-wishes and support from the international community.

The artist, best known for his incomparable falsetto voice, has left his mark on Reggae music both through performances with The Tamlins and as a solo singer.