Peaches Geldof’s husband pays tribute to ‘beloved’ late wife

Thomas Cohen, the husband of Peaches Geldof, led a flood of tributes to his "beloved" late wife, saying that he and the couple's two sons "shall love her forever".

Cohen, the singer and musician who married Geldof in September 2012, said in a statement: “My beloved wife Peaches was adored by myself and her two sons Astala and Phaedra and I shall bring them up with their mother in their hearts every day. We shall love her forever. Thomas, Astala and Phaedra Geldof-Cohen.”

Bob Geldof, her father, said the family were "beyond pain" as he confirmed the death of his 25-year-old daughter on Monday evening. "She was the wildest, funniest, cleverest, wittiest and the most bonkers of all of us. Writing 'was' destroys me afresh.

"What a beautiful child. How is this possible that we will not see her again? How is that bearable? We loved her and will cherish her forever. How sad that sentence is. Tom and her sons Astala and Phaedra will always belong in our family, fractured so often, but never broken. Bob, Jeanne, Fifi, Pixie and Tiger Geldof. "

Figures from across the word of show business and sport united in shock and grief at the news, with many paying tribute to the 25-year-old on Twitter.

The singer Ellie Goulding tweeted: "I don't believe it" and added: "Even if you think you've got it all figured out, some things still can't be explained or understood.

Two beautiful children. RIP Peaches". Rapper Professor Green told fans he didn't know Peaches but "the loss of a life so young is a horrible thing, especially leaving behind two children". The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke said she felt "numb", adding: "I've never met anyone so kind before. She was a beautiful person".

Coronation Street actor Michelle Keegan added: "Totally devastating news about Peaches Geldof. My thoughts are with her family and 2 babies at this awful time. Taken too early."

Myleene Klass, the TV personality, said: "The news of beautiful Peaches is utterly devastating, God bless her babies. RIP mama xxx". The entertainer Lionel Blair wrote: "My deepest sympathies to Bob Geldof and his family. The news of Peaches Geldof is most tragic. So shocked."

The singer Boy George said he had recently spoken to Peaches as he added his tribute on Twitter: "Poor sweet Peaches Geldof. We spoke only a month ago and she looked like an angel. This is truly sad. Poor Bob! R.I.P" Footballer Joey Barton added: "Peaches Geldof. Shocked and saddened at the news. My thoughts are with her family and 2 children. My heart goes out to them. RIP".

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan addressed his tribute to Bob Geldof, saying: "Thoughts are with Bob Geldof … I don't even want to imagine what he is going through …". Former Rugby star Brian Moore also expressed his sympathy for Peaches' father, saying: "Bob Geldof – his heart must be breaking right now – very sad."

Welsh singer Aled Jones echoed Moore’s sentiments, tweeting: “Very sad news of the death of Peaches Geldof – my thoughts and love to Bob and family x”.

As news of her death spread, hundreds of people left their tributes on Geldof's Instagram page, where only 24 hours ago she posted a poignant childhood picture of her being cradled by her late mother, Paula Yates. "RIP. So sad," wrote one fan. Another said: "Rip … this is shocking x"

Guardian