Another great talent has passed.
British singer-songwriter George Michael has died at the age of 53. According to his publicist, he “passed away peacefully at home” in Goring, Oxfordshire.
In a police statement, his publicist said, “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother, and friend George passed away peaceful at home over the Christmas period. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”
The police are treating the death as unexplained but there were no suspicious circumstances. They said, “Thames Valley Police were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2 p.m. Christmas Day. Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.”
Meanwhile, sources close to the singer told TMZ that he died from heart failure.
George Michael (real name Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou) first shot to fame with Wham! in the 1980s and the British duo sold more than 25 million records. The singer also had a successful solo career after Wham! disbanded in 1986.
To date, the “Careless Whisper” singer released 5 studio albums: “Faith” (which won “Album of the Year” at the 1989 Grammy Awards), “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” (1990), “Older” (1996), “Songs from the Last Century” (1999), “Patience” (2004).
Upon hearing the sad news, some of Michael’s celebrity friends such as Elton John and fellow Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley have taken to social media to mourn the singer. See their heartfelt tweets here:
Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael. I can't believe it. Such an incredible singer and a lovely human being, far too young to leave us #georgemichael
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) December 25, 2016
Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always! @happyhippiefdn pic.twitter.com/nBCxjEstDo
— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) December 26, 2016
In the wake of Michael’s death, the Recording Academy stated:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of two-time Grammy Award recipient George Michael. During an influential career that spanned nearly four decades, George became one of the most beloved pop craftsmen and respected entertainers. From the enormous success he achieved with pop duo Wham! to his influential solo career, his extraordinary talent had a profound impact on countless entertainers worldwide, and his creative contributions will live on forever. We have lost a cherished artist and our sincerest condolences go out to George’s family, friends, and musical collaborators. He will be missed.”
Rest in peace, George Michael. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
