Ozzy Osbourne's final photo before death as family left heartbroken

Ozzy Osbourne was seen in public for one of the final times just weeks before his death, greeting fans at Comic Con Midlands in his hometown of Birmingham. The legendary Black Sabbath frontman, affectionately known as the Prince of Darkness, died this morning at the age of 76, his family confirmed in a heartbreaking statement released tonight.

The sad news comes just over two weeks after Ozzy gave his emotional farewell performance alongside his bandmates at Villa Park on July 5. Just days later, Ozzy made what is now believed to be one of his final public appearances. He attended Comic Con Midlands at the NEC in Birmingham on July 13, where he posed for photos and took part in a meet-and-greet with fans.

Among those lucky enough to meet him was singer Pip Marsh, who spoke of his devastation following the news of Ozzy's passing. "I've just seen the news, I'm devastated," Pip told The Mirror. "It doesn't feel real, I'm numb."

Reflecting on the connection he felt with Ozzy, Pip added: "I'm gutted. I've always had this weird connection to Ozzy, he lived not too far from where I grew up. One of my first ever big shows was on the same line-up as Sabbath - it's wild. I feel numb."

Ozzy's wife Sharon Osbourne, 72, confirmed his death in a statement issued on behalf of the family, which includes their four children: Louis, Aimee, Jack and Kelly.

It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning," the family said. They added: "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy at this time."

Ozzy's final live appearance was at the sold-out Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month. A night that saw him reunite with fellow Black Sabbath legends Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.

In an emotional address to the crowd that night, Ozzy, who had battled multiple health challenges in recent years, said: "I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel, thank you from the bottom of my heart."