The English singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame with the group Wham! passed away on Christmas Day.
Singer George Michael has died, Billboard has confirmed. The cause of death was heart failure.
The English singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame with the group Wham! was found on Christmas morning.
In a statement to the BBC, 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."
Michael's longtime manager Michael Lippman confirmed the news to Billboard at 3 p.m. PST.
A subsequent statement by Thames Valley Police read:
“Thames Valley Police were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2pm 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. A post mortem will be undertaken in due course. There will be no further updates from Thames Valley Police until the post mortem has taken place.”
Speaking to Billboard, Lippman says, "I'm devastated." The manager received a call on Christmas morning notifying him that Michael had been found "in bed, lying peacefully." The exact time of death is not clear at this time, but there was "no foul play whatsoever," says Lippman. The death by heart failure was unexpected, he adds.
