Friendly Fires trumpet player Richard Turner has died at the age of 27.

The musician – who played with the group for three years – suffered a heart attack while swimming at an open air pool at Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill, south London, last Thursday (11.08.11) and later died at King’s College Hospital, despite the best efforts of lifeguards and paramedics.

The ‘Paris’ band – who are made up of Ed Macfarlane, Jack Savidge and Edd Gibson – described Richard as an “utterly exceptional musician” and explained he will be “hugely missed”.

Announcing the news on their official website, they said: “On Friday we learnt of the sudden passing of Richard Turner. Rich played trumpet in our live gigs on and off for three years. He was an utterly exceptional musician and his contributions to our shows will be hugely missed.”

The band – who are due to play at the Frequency Festival in Salzburg, Austria tomorrow (20.08.11) – explained the trumpeter had a great knack of falling asleep even if he was in “uncomfortable” conditions.

They added: “On tour he was much envied for his ability to fall asleep at will however uncomfortable the bus, plane, car or train.

“RIP to an unbelievable musician and friend.”