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Sinead O'Connor at Electric Picnic in 2014. Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
RIP

Sinéad O'Connor's death 'not being treated as suspicious' but 'no medical cause of death' given

The legendary singer announced on social media only a fortnight ago that she had moved to London.

LAST UPDATE | 27 Jul 2023

THE MET POLICE have said that Sinead O’Connor’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

In a statement issued this morning, the Met said officers responded to “reports of an unresponsive woman” at 11.18am at a home in south-east London. The 56 year old was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Next of kin have been notified. The death is not being treated as suspicious,” the Met Police statement said.

A file will now be prepared for the coroner.

The legendary singer announced on social media only a fortnight ago that she had moved to the city.

In a statement, the Coroner for the Inner South District of Greater London said that no medical cause of death was given and that they had therefore requested an autopsy to be conducted.

They said that the results of the autopsy may not available for several weeks.

“The decision whether an inquest will be needed, will be decided when these results are known and submissions have been heard from the family,” a statement read.

“If an inquest is to be opened, the date of the brief public hearing will be provided on our website.”

Tributes

Artists from across the musical spectrum, writers, actors, politicians and others have shared their admiration following the news of her death.

O’Connor, who also used the names Magda Davitt and Shuhada Sadaqat after converting to Islam, had four children. One of her children, Shane, died in recent years.

Her death was confirmed in a statement from O’Connor’s family to RTÉ who said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead.

“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” a statement added.

President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to the beloved singer, offering his condolences to her father, John, her other family members and “all those with whom she shared her life”.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste has opened an online book of condolence for people to extend their sympathies to the singer’s family. 

All messages will be printed and forwarded in a book of condolence to her family.

“On behalf of the people of Dublin, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Sinéad’s family following her sudden death. The news has come to a shock to me as well as the millions of fans she had in Dublin and around the world,” de Róiste said.

“My thoughts are with her three children and her family who have lost a loving mother, daughter and sister, while the world has lost an amazing singer, songwriter and major talent. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís agus sólas dá muintir.”

Contains reporting by Stephen McDermott.