Oh no... Oh lord. When Kelly Clarkson said her ex had been ill for the past year, we worried it was serious. We didn't imagine... But now Brandon Blackstock has passed away at just 48 years old. His family released an emotional statement Thursday morning breaking the tragic news - and revealing he had been battling cancer: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.