Heartbreak for new dad Jeremy McConnell as father dies from short cancer battle

After months of denial, Jeremy McConnell has finally come full circle with his relationship with Celebrity Big Brother ex Stephanie Davis, and has stepped up as a father to their infant son Caben-Albi.

But just as things were turning up on the family front, he’s been faced with another blow, as his dad has tragically died after a short battle with cancer.

More: ‘Deciding what’s best…’ Stephanie Davis breaks silence on Jeremy McConnell’s romance rumours 

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In recent weeks, Jeremy has been focused on fatherhood after reconnecting with Steph, and meeting his son – and sadly, he’s now had to say goodbye to his own father.

‘On Friday 3rd March 2017 Jeremy McConnell’s father passed away after a short battle with cancer,’ a spokesperson for the Irish model told The Sun Online.

‘We ask that Jeremy is given space and privacy at this incredibly sad time.’

However, this is not the first instance of family tragedy that he’s had to endure – years ago, Jeremy lost his mother, brother and sister in the space of a few months.

‘When I was fifteen I was at my cousin’s and my mum fell asleep,’ he said previously.

‘I got back about two hours later and she was gone – she had a brain haemorrhage.’

Months later, his brother and sister also lost their lives in unexpected ways. He continued:

‘Shortly after that my brother broke his neck in a motorbike accident.

‘After that, my sister had a heart attack – she suffered with epilepsy. All in the space of fifteen months.

‘Of course I miss them, I loved them dearly, but I think that’s what levelled me out a bit – I express myself the way I want to. I just grew up really fast.’

Though tragic, here’s hoping that he is able to translate his sadness into love for his new family with his son.