Pop superstar George Michael died, his longtime manager announced Sunday.
The 53-year-old’s body was found at his home in Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire just after lunchtime on Christmas Day and police say there were no suspicious circumstances.
His longtime manager, Michael Lippman, told Billboard he had received a phone call telling him the star had been found in bed, lying peacefully.
It was not known yet when Michael had died but there was “no foul play whatsoever.” His manager believed the cause of death was heart failure, but this has not been confirmed.
“I’m devastated,” Mr Lippman added.
On Sunday night, Thames Valley Police said they were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire shortly before 2 p.m. local time. “Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene,” a police spokesman said.
“At this stage, the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.” A post-mortem examination will be undertaken in due course.
“There will be no further updates from Thames Valley Police until the post-mortem has taken place.”
The late singer was known for his acclaimed pop duo ‘Wham’ along with band partner Andrew Ridgley, who in 1982 were considered one of the top musical phenomenon’s of the 1980’s. George lived in Highgate, North London and Goring-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire.
Singer George Michael, who began with pop duo WHAM! before going on to long solo career, has died at 53. https://t.co/XNDquo96s0
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 25, 2016
George Michael also became one of the top performers during his solo career after Wham ended in the summer of 1986. Michael was known for many hits including the songs “Careless Whisper”, “Faith” and a cover of Elton John’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.”
George Michael has "passed away peacefully at home" according to his publicist https://t.co/Au5UeHP88W
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 25, 2016
Michael was also known for his work as a prominent gay rights campaigner.
He had been a fervent support of LGBT issues, with some of his most famous solo work referencing his sexuality, and came out as gay following his arrest in April 1998 for engaging in “a lewd act” in front of an undercover police officer in Beverly Hills.
LGBT charity Stonewall tweeted their sadness at the news of his death: “R.I.P. George Michael You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed.”
Fellow campaigner, American singer Miley Cyrus, said “Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always!”
