"It has been the hardest time": Ronan Keating speaks out after family tragedy
<p>Ronan Keating has broken his silence for the first time since the sudden death of his brother. </p>
<p>The Irish musician and former Boyzone member said it has been the "hardest time" dealing with the sudden loss, after his older brother Ciaran was killed in a car crash in his native Ireland in July.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Ronan addressed the tragedy for the first time, revealing how he and his family are dealing with their grief. </p>
<p>He wrote on Instagram, "Just wanted to say thank you for the love and respect you have shown my family over the last 5 weeks. It has been the hardest time for us all, and everyone is trying to manage a life now without our brother (very hard to even type that 💔)." </p>
<p>"Thank you for all your messages of support and also respecting our privacy during this time."</p>
<p>Along with the caption, Ronan shared a series of snaps from South Africa, where the family are holidaying to get away from their busy life and take time to reckon with the tragedy. </p>
<p>"There is no more fitting a place to heal, than in South Africa surrounded by Mother Nature and great people and our little bundles of joy Cooper and Coco, have kept us going constantly. Thank you god."</p>
<p>"Back to work for me in another part of the world I love now… it all seems rather difficult to make sense of but trying my best. "</p>
<p>"Take care of each other and from Storm, myself and all my family, thank you."</p>
<p>The post was flooded with comments of well wishes and condolences, while fans encouraged Ronan and his family to take as much time out as they needed to heal.</p>
<p>Just days after the post, Ronan shared a sweet tribute to his wife Storm, as the couple celebrated their eight year wedding anniversary while on their family getaway. </p>
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<p>Along with a heartwarming video of some of their best moments together, Ronan wrote, "Thank you for the absolute unwavering honesty and love. Without you I would be somewhere very dark. Your love is my compass."</p>
<p>"Eight years married but a lifetime together. The memories the laughs the babies the family. It’s you and me love. Happy anniversary."</p>
<p>"In this lifetime and everyone one that the universe gives after that I will find you. No two spirits were more connected."</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>
