Tose Proeski, the biggest pop star in Macedonia and the Balkans, died in a car crash on Tuesday morning in Croatia, at the age of 26. Macedonia is in shock and tears. Tose died while sleeping on the front seat of his car. His driver and manager survived the accident.

Most probably, high speed and moment of inattention of driver are reason for accident in which Tose Proeski lost his life, said Kata Nuic, spokeswoman of Brodsko County police department. Tose was on his way to Zagreb to take part in Croatian talk show and record song.

On hearing the horrifying news, thousands of people gathered at the Macedonia Square in the heart of Skopje and all over Macedonia, lighting candles and paying respect to "the prince of their hearts". Tose's funeral will be held today in his native town of Krusevo, while 17 October has been declared a day of national mourning.

Tose Proeski’s body was flown in to Skopje airport from Croatia late last night with helicopter. Members of Proeski’s immediate family and senior government delegation led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski greeted Proeski’s body at airport. Casket with Proeski’s body was immediately taken to his hometown Krusevo where Tose Proeski will be buried at 13:30 today. Funeral ceremony will be led by Macedonian Orthodox Church Head Archbishop Stefan. Proeski will be buried with highest state honors.