Tearful fans have laid tributes outside the home of pop superstar George Michael after he was found dead yesterday afternoon aged 53.
The singer – who sold more than 100million records with band Wham! and during his solo career – is said to have passed away peacefully at his property in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire shortly before 2pm on Christmas Day.
Michael’s former manager Michael Lippman claimed he had died in bed as a result of ‘heart failure’.
Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.
Michael, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, sold more than 100m albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.
In a statement, the star’s publicist said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully 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.”
In 2011, Michael postponed a series of concerts after being taken to hospital for treatment for pneumonia.
After treatment in a Vienna hospital, he made a tearful appearance outside his London home and said it had been “touch and go” whether he lived.
Doctors were said to have performed a tracheotomy to keep his airways open and he was unconscious for some of his spell in hospital.
H/T BBC
