updated 8:00am, 12/26/16
Singer George Michael has passed away just before 2 pm Christmas Day in London.
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. He was 53 years old, his longtime manager, Michael Lippman, says the singer died of heart failure. Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.
A full autopsy will be performed and determine if any other factors were at play in the 53 year old’s passing
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.”
(source: bbc.com)