The British acting world is mourning a tragic loss.
William Rush, an actor best known for his work on the drama series Waterloo Road, died on Dec. 17, his mother Debbie Rush confirmed. He was 31.
“As a family, our hearts are completely broken,” Debbie wrote on Instagram Dec. 18, “and there are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss.”
The Coronation Street alum—who also shares children Tom and Poppy with husband Andrew Rush—added that the family was able to find a silver lining “even in our darkest moment.”
“William gave the most precious gift of all,” she continued. “Through being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to other families, thinking of others right to the very end. His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy.”
Debbie, who did not share his cause of death, asked for privacy for herself and her family as they “navigate this unimaginable grief.”
“William will always be loved,” she wrote, “always missed, and forever in our hearts.”
Many of Debbie and William’s friends and costars reached out in the comments of her Instagram post, sending messages of love and condolences.
Debbie’s Daddy Issues costar Aimee Lou Wood wrote, “I am so so sorry. Sending you all my love.”
Matty Healy’s mother Denise Welch—who starred alongside William on Waterloo Road—had her own remembrance of the actor, writing, “He was a joy. I'm so sorry Debbie.”
Another Waterloo Road actress Karen David added, “Debbie, I am so shocked and deeply saddened to hear about your sweet boy.”
“The time I spent on set with your magical son, was pure joy and a laugh,” she continued. “He will be deeply missed. Sending so much love, and healing light.”
William was born in Manchester on July 6, 1994, and trained at the Manchester School of Acting. He began his career with a cameo on the show Shameless in 2007 before moving on to more guest starring roles on shows like Grange Hill, Casualty and even alongside his mother on Coronation Street. However, William’s biggest break came when he played the role of Josh Stevenson on the series Waterloo Road from 2009 to 2013.
After leaving the series, he tried his hand at a new venture, auditioning for The X Factor in 2016 with the hopes of becoming a singer. William made it to the competition show’s six-chair challenge, the third of four elimination stages.