Welsh Heavy Metal Singer's Suicide Stuns Fans, Family Members

icWales is reporting that the suspected suicide of Welsh heavy metal band BLOOD RETCH's lead singer has stunned fans across the world.

Talented Gareth Bonetto — whose stage name was Eddie Richards — was found hanged at his Yr Hendre home in Nantgarw, near Pontypridd, on Monday (March 14).

The depressed 29-year-old bachelor was the singer-songwriter of Pontypridd-based BLOOD RETCH (web site) who have enjoyed a minor hit single in Holland.

He will be laid to rest privately at Thornhill Crematorium on Monday afternoon (March 21) to "Knocking on Heaven's Door" by his idols GUNS N' ROSES.

His father Lawrence Bonetto, 52, of West View, in Taffs Well, said: "We believe he was released too early after being ill in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital for four weeks and his mind just wasn't right."

Police are investigating the death for the Glamorgan coroner as a suspected suicide but have confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

The band, who had built up a steady following over the last three years and were discussing a tour of the United States and a recording contract, have been left devastated.

The former Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelin student had worked as a cleaner at the Asda store in Coryton while awaiting his break in show business.

His sister Sarah, 25, said: "He had a heart of gold and was idolized by my two children Megan (aged four) and Lewys (aged two) — he was their star, taken before he could realise his dream. He used to talk about becoming famous, a millionaire able to design and build his own mansion and make sure none of us had to struggle any more — he was my life."

The band's lead guitarist Lee Jones said the IRON MAIDEN fan "was an amazing singer and songwriter who had so much energy and zest for life that we can't believe he's gone."