Rock music icon Xava Drago, lead singer of the Mexican rock band Coda, has died at the age of 56 after a battle with stomach cancer. His death occurred in Mexico City on Thursday August 21 his bandmates confirmed on the group’s social media accounts as they paid touching tribute to their frontman.

Writing on their Instagram account they said: "Our hearts are broken. With deep sadness, we want to share with you that our beloved Xava has passed away. We send our love to his entire family and wish with all our hearts that they soon find comfort and peace. We are with you. Xava was always a warrior — he loved what he did, always intense, always passionate. “We are profoundly grateful to have shared life and the stage with him; it has been a great honour and an incredible privilege. We want to thank the fans, friends, the media, the doctors, Xava’s family and everyone who gave their hearts and support to stand by him shoulder-to-shoulder on this difficult journey — a journey that, sadly, has now come to an end."

The singer, whose real name was Salvador Aguilar, was diagnosed with stomach cancer a year ago. He had been open about his cancer journey sharing it with fans and followers.

He bowed out of public life with a heartfelt message on his Facebook page earlier this month after doctors had exhausted all possible treatment options.

“To my family, fans, bandmates, and friends, my endless thanks. From the dawn of time at daybreak, you showed me your unmatched beauty and that pure, unconditional love,” read a message shared on his Facebook account on Aug. 13.

Just three days later he released his final solo project, an album titled Gracias Infinitas, which he recorded during the last months of his illness as a way to thank his fans and say farewell.

Devastated fans rushed to pay tribute to the star. Among the comments on the band's post one fan wrote: "Thank you Xava for making my adolescence more fun, thank you for the influence, thank you for inspiration, thank you for concerts, thank you for everything."

"Noooooo I’m watching this on the news! Great memories of her music as a child. He was a great one and I fought a lot for his illness and now he rests," another added.

A third chimed in: "The soundtrack of my life would be incomplete without the album "Turn it on" rest in peace Xava, a big hug to Coda ."

Meanwhile a fourth shared: "Rest in peace Xava you will be remembered FOREVER!!!"