Pop star Tallia Storm's father, Sascha Hartmann, has died suddenly in Switzerland at the age of 57. The singer, 27, announced the loss on her Instagram Story on Thursday, with her mother, Tessa Hartmann, a cast member on Real Housewives of Jersey, confirming the news on her own social media.
In her tribute, Tallia described her father as her "world" and expressed shock and grief. "Our world has shattered and will never be the same," she wrote. "My amazing dad. You were my world & you will continue to be forever. I am in shock, please pray for my family. Please pray for my precious mum. I have never felt a pain like this in my life."
She remembered her father as "the greatest musician, the greatest artist I have ever known," crediting him with inspiring her dream of a music career. "Rest in peace my incredible, amazing dad Sascha Hartmann, I love you," she concluded.
Tessa Hartmann shared that her husband passed away suddenly in Lugano, Switzerland, where the family had moved last December. "Sometimes there are words that you never imagine, in your entire lifetime, you will have to write," she posted. "Yesterday, my darling husband, Sascha, the devoted father of our incredible children, Valentina, Tallia, Johnnie and Zachary - passed away suddenly in Lugano, Switzerland."
She described Sascha as "one of a kind. A true gentleman. My parents adored him as though he were their own son." She highlighted his talents as an "exceptional artist, a beautiful composer and pianist, with a brilliant mind and the most wonderfully gentle soul." Above all, she stated, he was a "devoted father" who "adored our children and was endlessly proud of every one of them."
The couple was planning to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in August but will instead be organizing his funeral. "I keep asking God for the strength to understand why this has happened, knowing I may never find the answer," Tessa wrote. "I take comfort only in believing that he is now with God, and with my dear parents."
Tessa concluded her tribute by expressing her enduring love: "Sascha, we loved every single part of you. Your kindness. Your laughter. Your humour. Your remarkable mind. Your music. Your beautiful piano playing. We will keep playing your songs, telling your stories, and carrying your love with us for the rest of our lives. Until we meet again, my love. My person. My soulmate. My best friend. The father of our four beautiful children. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift of all - our family. I will cherish that, and you, forever."
The funeral service is scheduled to take place in Lugano on Wednesday, July 1st. The couple had four children together: Tallia, Tessie, Johnnie, and Zachary. Sascha Hartmann was an actor, artist, and cinematographer.
Friends and colleagues offered condolences on social media, including Gabby Logan, who called Sascha "a superb, funny, clever, supportive and talented man" who was "whipped away far too soon." Chloe Ferry and Sophie Hermann also sent messages of support.