Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, has extended condolences to the family of reggae singer Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, the son of Stephen Marley, who was found dead on Boxing Day.

He was 31.

READ: ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley dead at 31

Minister Grange shared that she was “deeply saddened” by the news that Jo Mersa had died and noted that Marley’s “untimely passing at the young age of 31 years old is a huge loss to the music as we look to the next generation”.

“May he find eternal peace as we mourn his loss during this season of goodwill when we celebrate with family and friends our love for each other,” Grange wrote.

She extended her deepest condolences to Stephen, Jo Mersa’s mother, Kerry, the Marleys and other family members.

“My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and the reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere,” Grange said.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared on his official Twitter page that he was also “deeply saddened” by the news.

“This is truly sad news; sending strength to the Marley family at this time,” Holness said.

Opposition leader Mark Golding of the People’s National Party also joined the chorus of condolences.

“The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen and the entire family,” Golding wrote on Twitter.