Nick Carter's heartbreaking tribute to brother Aaron after shock death

Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter has paid tribute to his younger brother Aaron Carter on Sunday following the 34-year-old's shock death on Saturday.

The pop star-turned-rapper was found unresponsive in his California home, his rep confirmed to E! News. His cause of death has not been released.

Nick Carter and Aaron Carter
Nick Carter has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his late brother Aaron Carter, who died at the age of 34 on Saturday. Photo: Getty

"It is with great regret to confirm Aaron Carter was found unresponsive this AM in his home in Palmdale, CA," a spokesperson said. "The family has been notified and will be flying out to Los Angeles. Aaron worked very hard towards the end of his life in recovery, to be a good father and to make amends with his family."

"My heart is broken," Nick shared with his followers on Instagram. "Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed."

RELATED

The singer continued, "Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz. Now you can finally have the peace you could never find here on earth….I love you baby brother."

Fellow Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean commented on the post, writing, "Love you bro. Always here for you."

Spice Girls star Emma Bunton also commented, "I'm heartbroken for you and your family. Sending so much love."

Former Disney Channel star Christy Carlson Romano added, "This is devastating to see. Prayers for you and your family Nick."

Fans also shared their heartbreak, with one user writing, "Because of you, the world knew his name and witnessed his incredible talent. We thank you and mourn his passing along side you. Sending love, light and peace to you and your family."

"You’ve been on my mind since I heard yesterday," another fan added. "I’m so incredibly sorry Nick. I know how much you loved him. Praying for peace & comfort for you & your family & everyone that cared for him."

"So sorry for your loss Nick... as a fan of his for 25 years, I watched him grow up and I feel horrible pain for what happened," a third said. "I am praying so much that God can bring comfort to all of your family."

Aaron's twin sister Angel also took to Instagram to share a tribute for her brother, writing, "To my twin… I loved you beyond measure. You will be missed dearly. My funny, sweet Aaron,I have so many memories of you and I, and I promise to cherish them. I know you’re at peace now. I will carry you with me until the day I die and get to see you again."

Nick and Angel filed a restraining order against Aaron in 2019, with the Backstreet Boys singer saying in a statement that Aaron allegedly had "intentions of killing my wife and unborn child".

He added that he still loved Aaron and hoped he would get "the proper treatment he needs before any harm comes to himself or anyone else".

Aaron responded on Twitter, writing, "So my brother just got a restraining order against me. And I was just served lol. Take care. @NickCarter we're done for life."

He added, "I haven't seen him in four years. And I don't intend to ... I am astounded at the accusations being made against me, and I do not wish harm to anyone, especially my family."

Aaron's sudden death comes just a week after he tweeted that he was selling his home, adding he was "ready for a new chapter". On Tuesday last week, he was also pulled over for the suspicion of DUI, however, it was found that he was not under the influence after they conducted a field sobriety test, TMZ reports.

Aaron Carter and Melanie Martin
Aaron with his on-again-off again fianceé Melanie Martin. Photo: Getty

Aaron's on-again-off-again fianceé Melanie Martin, with who he shares an 11-month-old son Prince, shared a two-second clip of herself sobbing on TikTok after the news broke.

In 2018, Aaron told People that he was excited about the idea of a family of his own, "I'm going to be a good father. I know it." He added, "I want lots of kids, lots of stability, lots of happiness and laughter and learning and having fun. It's going to be good."

The Carter family has also seen the tragic loss of Aaron, Nick and Angel's sister Leslie Carter, who died at the age of 25 after a drug overdose.

Their father Robert Carter, better known as Bob after appearing on the family's reality show House of Carters in the early 2000s, passed away five years later at the age of 65.

At the time, Aaron wrote on Twitter, "My heart is completely shattered I'm in shock and I loved my dad so much."

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Online support is available via Beyond Blue.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.