Ex-Wham! singer George Michael dies

[C~M]

Singer George Michael has died aged 53, his publicist has said.
The star, who launched his career with Wham! in the 1980s and later continued his success as a solo performer, is said to have "passed away peacefully at home".
Thames Valley Police said South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT.
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.
He first found fame with his schoolfriend Andrew Ridgeley in duo Wham! before going on to release solo albums, including the multi-million selling Faith and Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.
Earlier this month it was announced that producer and songwriter Naughty Boy was working with Michael on a new album.
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.



http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38432862

[Squid]

Wow, too young.... RIP, George Michael

[Mayhem]

"Sources directly connected with George and in a position to know tell us the singer died from heart failure.  We're told he was sleeping throughout the episode and suffered no pain."

[PissedOffPumpkin]

Agree with the inky one. Too young. I was never a huge fan, but one cannot deny true vocal talent. And 53 - so much life left to live. I've had worse years for personal reasons, but overall, this definitely has been a very, very bad year.

[Mayhem]

More about this from TMZ:



George Michael was reclusive and struggling with his weight in the months before his death. These pics were taken in mid-September at a restaurant in England, and it's apparent the singer had gained a tremendous amount of weight.

[Squid]

So many people with demons within.  What a world it would be without those demons...

[PissedOffPumpkin]

The stories coming about him now are amazing, though. I had no idea what a truly good soul he was. Makes it all the more sad when you read how much he gave to others.