'Best in Benidorm' Black Country singer found dead in Spain
A popular singer from Oldbury known as ‘the best in Benidorm’ has been found dead in his Spanish apartment.
Lee Wayne Bench, who went by the stage name Scott Bench Taylor ‘soul man’, had moved to the holiday destination permanently four years ago.
But the 42-year old father-of-three was found dead in his apartment on Sunday.
His death has rocked the community both at home and in Benidorm with his family back in the Black Country now desperate to get his body home.
More than £6,500 has already been raised by friends and relatives, with around £4,000 more needed to repatriate Lee.
His cousin, Angie Manifold, said: “Lee was much loved by family and friends.
"He was a very witty, friendly character, who loved nothing more than entertaining.
"His passing has been a great shock to both family and friends and we want to bring him home to lay him to rest with his mom.
“A Go Fund Me page has been set up in order to raise money to bring him home.
“From all of Lee’s family and friends we wish to thank everyone for their donations, support and words of comfort at this time.
"Lee Bench aka Scott Bench Taylor ‘soul man’ was a very big part of the entertainment scene in Benidorm.”
Lee is a father to George, 16, Patrick, five, and Oliver, two. The younger two boys live in Benidorm, while George lives back in the West Midlands with his mother.
He was a popular entertainer when he lived in the Black Country, regularly performing in pubs, clubs and bars across the area before moving to Spain.
A Just Giving page set up in his memory reads: “This death has come as a total shock to everyone, only the other day Lee was posting on Facebook how he is loving life entertaining and spending time with his partner.
"The funds will be used to repatriate Lee back to the UK so all of his friends and family can say their final goodbyes and lay Lee to rest in his own country.
“All money raised will be given directly to Lee’s Sister Sharon.”
Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ronald-sandison-1 or gofundme.com/repatriate-lee-bench to donate.
