The British singer, who was one of the biggest names in music in the '80s, was found dead at 53 in his home in Goring, Oxfordshire on Christmas morning, December 25.
- December 26, 2016
AceShowbiz -
George Michael has passed away. The singer, a former Wham! member who went on to become one of the biggest pop superstars in the 1980s, was found dead on Christmas morning, December 25 at his home in Goring, Oxfordshire. He was 53.
The sad news was announced by his manager, who said in a statement, "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."
The Thames Valley Police who were called to Michael's home that day said that the star's death was "unexplained but not suspicious." The cops added, "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."
One rep added to TMZ that Michael's death came as a huge surprise because the singer hadn't been ill prior to his passing. He had even been working on a Showtime movie about his life. The pic was scheduled to air in England next March.
A number of celebrities immediately took to social media to pay tribute to Michael after learning of the news. "I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad," Ellen DeGeneres wrote on Twitter. "I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time," said James Corden.
Michael's fellow musicians who also offered condolences included Sir Elton John, Mark Ronson, Laura Pausini, LeAnn Rimes and Duran Duran. John shared on Instagram a photo of him and Michael, with whom he once worked with on a duet of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me". "I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans," he captioned the snap.
"Ather than a global pop phenom, George Michael was one of the true British soul greats. alot of us owe him an unpayable debt. bye George xx," Ronson tweeted. "You'll always be my very fav male artist. My heart is the saddest. RIP amazing George Michael. I cannot believe it," wrote Pausini.
"Omg #GeorgeMichael noooo! No No No No No! We have lost too many beautiful souls this year. #rip you will be greatly missed," Rimes said. "2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family," Duran Duran wrote alongside a picture on Twitter.
