The Voice UK Star Dean Franklin Dies at 37 After Cancer Misdiagnosed as Heartburn
The music world is mourning the loss of Dean Franklin, a talented singer who captured hearts on The Voice UK with the support of Paloma Faith. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 37, merely eight weeks after being diagnosed with Stage Four oesophageal cancer, a condition that was initially misdiagnosed as simple heartburn by his GP.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Dean Boroczky, performing under the stage name Dean Franklin, was a gifted musician from Plymouth whose career spanned from busking on the streets of his hometown and London to paid performances across Europe. His journey to stardom included a memorable run on The Voice UK in 2016, where he impressed judges Ricky Wilson and Paloma Faith, ultimately joining Team Paloma and reaching the final eight.
His mother, Marie Boroczky, fondly recalled his passion for music, noting how he won family holidays as a child through his performances. "He always had a passion for music," she said. "When he used to sing he'd get really into it. He had his eyes closed and would be lost in the moment." Paloma Faith maintained a connection with Dean, even reaching out after his diagnosis, highlighting the impact he had on those around him.
The Devastating Misdiagnosis
Towards the end of last year, Dean, a father to a 17-year-old daughter named Mya, began experiencing discomfort and consulted his GP. Despite multiple visits, he was consistently diagnosed with heartburn and prescribed medication. The pain escalated severely on December 9, leading him to A&E, where an ultrasound revealed masses in his liver.
An endoscopy the following day confirmed the grim reality: malignant oesophageal cancer that had metastasised to Stage Four. Marie described the heartbreaking moment: "They gave him the pieces of paper with graphic images of his tumours and it said malignant oesophageal cancer metastasised Stage Four." Dean received this news with minimal support, accompanied only by his sister Leanne, though his mother rushed to London that day.
A Courageous Battle and Final Performance
Dean faced his diagnosis with remarkable courage and spirit. After meeting with an oncologist at St Bart's Hospital on December 29, he was told that with successful chemotherapy, he might have 12 months. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly, with jaundice indicating liver failure, prompting emergency chemotherapy starting on January 7.
Despite the pain and setbacks, Dean was determined to perform one last time. On January 11, just after leaving the hospital, he held an impromptu open-air concert at Piccadilly Circus in London, drawing hundreds of fans from as far as Switzerland and Spain. "It was highly emotional," Marie said. "The crowds were crying. He was surrounded by so much love." He performed songs including Tom Odell's "Heal" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," leaving a lasting legacy.
Raising Awareness and Family Tributes
Dean's family is now committed to raising awareness about oesophageal cancer, which is often underestimated, especially in younger individuals. Marie explained that the cancer was caused by acid reflux, a condition frequently dismissed as heartburn. "If it had been picked up sooner, it could have gone differently," she lamented, noting delays in biopsy results due to the Christmas period.
The family has been in contact with Heartburn Cancer UK and plans to continue advocacy efforts. Dean's funeral will be held in Plymouth, with a celebration of his life in London to follow. Tributes have poured in, honouring his talent and resilience.
Marie reflected on her son's strength: "He took his diagnosis with courage and spirit and strength, and a real fight within him that he was going to beat this." His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and listening to patients' concerns, leaving a void in the music community and beyond.
