British pop superstar George Michael, who ruled the charts in the 1980s with hits like “If You Were There”, “I’m Your Man” and “Everything She Wants”, has died at the age of 53.
Michael “passed away peacefully” at home, according to his publicist. His manager Michael lippman said the singer had died from heart failure in bed, reported Guardian.
“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 publicist said.
Thames Valley police said the death was being treated as “unexplained but not suspicious” and they would not comment further until after a postmortem. The singer’s body was discovered on Christmas morning.
Michael, who rose to fame with his group “Wham!” was known for hits “Club Tropicana” and “last Christmas” with his co-member Andrew Ridgeley.
He also had a highly successful solo career which included the songs “Careless Whisper”, “Faith,” “Outside” and “Freedom! 90”.
He enjoyed an impressive career, selling more than 100 million records, but led a turbulent life marked with drug battles, run-ins with the police and health problems. In last few years, Michael’s brushes with the law and stories of drug use made more news than his musical outings.
“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,” Police said.
Ridgeley said he was heartbroken at the loss of his beloved friend.
Writing on Twitter and referring to Michael as “Yog”, a nickname for “Yours Only George”, he said, “Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx”
Hollywood stars Madonna, Ryan Reynolds, Miley Cyrus, William Shatner, Ellen Degeneres, Robbie Williams among others paid rich tributes to British pop singer.
Pop icon Madonna shared a video on the micro-blogging site of her presenting Michael with the Video Vanguard award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1989.
“Farewell, my friend. Another great artist leaves us,” she wrote. “Deadpool” star Reynolds wrote, “George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham.”