Frankie Cocozza has been left devastated after his best friend was killed in a street fight.
The controversial X Factor star called off a gig in Scotland and flew home when he found out his pal Connor Saunders had died and he later tweeted: "My life will never be the same".
The 19-year-old plasterer was taken to hospital after suffering severe head injuries in a brawl between two rival groups in Rottingdean, near Brighton, late on Saturday night.
The singer's dad Frankie, Sr. said: "Frankie is absolutely devastated," while a spokesperson added: "Frankie is understandably grieving. He was in Glasgow when he found out and has since returned home. Connor was a very close family friend."
Three students - including a lad of 13 and two 14-year-old boys - are being questioned in connection with the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick May told The Mirror: "At the moment we believe an altercation has taken place between two groups. Members of each group are known to each other and during the incident the 19-year-old victim has been punched to the head, causing him to fall to the floor."
Connor played as a defender for amateur football side Peacehaven & Telscombe FC, who paid tribute to him on Sunday.
The club said: "It was with incredible sadness we learned that Connor Saunders had died following an attack. We have all lost a wonderful person and talented footballer. Connor has many friends because of his lovely nature and his loss is tragic to everyone connected to our club, his friends and family.
"The club is currently in a state of shock. Our condolences go to all the family and we would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. RIP Connor, we all loved you and you will never be forgotten."