The pop legend George Michael has died, 53
It has been confirmed that British singer George Michael has died at the age of 53. He was found dead in his Oxfordshire home in Goring. His manager, Michael Lippman, confirmed that the singer has passed away at 11 PM Christmas day, peacefully after suffering heart failure. Police are reporting that the death is unexplained but not suspicious.
Writing on Twitter and calling Michael by his family nickname of “Yog”, his former bandmate from Wham!, Andrew Ridgeley said, he was,
“heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend, Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx”
The singer’s family announced his death in a statement issued through the singer’s publicist.
“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,” it said.
“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”
George Michael was one of the most successful British solo artists with a career spanning several decades and selling over 100 million records. Some of his biggest solo hits included, Careless Whisper, Outside and Faith. He found fame in a band he started with Andrew Ridgeley called, Wham!, their hits included Last Christmas and Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.
George Michael had a unique work ethic and was considered a great multi-tasker as an artist, who not only sung, but wrote and produced most of his hits.
George came out as gay during the late 90s after initially identifying himself to his band mate, Andrew, as bisexual.
George Michael is just one of a number of high profile deaths to have taken place in 2016. He is the third musical legend to die in 2016 after David Bowie and Prince.
