Police confirm that they are not treating the death of renowned Irish vocalist Sinéad O’Connor with suspicion following the discovery of her unresponsive body at a residence in London.
The 56-year-old singer, celebrated globally for her rendition of the ballad “Nothing Compares 2 U,” has been receiving an outpouring of tributes.
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement: “Police responded to a call at 11:18hrs on Wednesday, 26 July, about an unresponsive female at a residential location in the SE24 district. On arrival, a 56-year-old woman was declared dead at the scene. The family has been notified. The death is currently not deemed suspicious.”
The specific medical cause of O’Connor’s death has not been provided, as London’s Inner South Coroner’s Court announced Thursday.
“The Coroner was informed about Sinéad O’Connor’s death in Lambeth on Wednesday 26th July 2023. No medical cause of death was offered,” said the Coroner’s court. “Thus, the Coroner ordered an autopsy. The results may not be ready for a few weeks.”
Once the autopsy results are disclosed, the Coroner’s court will determine the necessity of an inquest.
News about O’Connor’s passing emerged on Wednesday and was validated by a statement from her family expressing their devastation.
Prominent figures from the music industry and beyond have expressed grief over her loss.
“Ireland has suffered the loss of one of our most talented and unique composers, songwriters, and performers of the recent decades, who was tremendously loved and admired by her audience. Her exceptional talent and deep bond with her fans will be greatly missed,” stated Irish President Michael D. Higgins in a message shared with CNN.
“We hope that her spirit finds the tranquillity she has been seeking in so many ways,” he concluded.
Actress Caitriona Balfe posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram, “I hope you have found peace…with your baby boy. Thanks for sharing your soul and comforting us with your remarkable voice, beautiful Sinéad.”
The beloved singer contributed her voice to the opening sequence of “Outlander” Season 7, which stars Balfe. The mention of O’Connor’s “baby boy” refers to her son Shane, who tragically took his own life at 17 in 2022.
“May she rest in peace now. Forever cherished,” Belinda Carlisle, the lead singer of 80’s all-female rock band The Go-Gos, wrote on her Twitter on Wednesday. Musician Melissa Etheridge expressed her grief over the tragic news on her page, “What a profound loss. Her life was full of torment. What a gifted artist she was.”
Rock band Garbage’s lead vocalist Shirley Manson posted a tribute on the band’s Instagram, stating, “I am devastated… This harsh world broke her, and she continued to do so. May your journey be peaceful, dear delicate dove.”
Despite being as famous for her tumultuous personal life as her music, O’Connor, born in Dublin in 1966, regularly discussed her troubled upbringing as one of four children with an abusive mother.
After being sent to reform school for shoplifting in her teens, O’Connor found solace in music. At the age of 15, she was discovered by the band In Tua Nua drummer while performing at a wedding.
Her debut album, “The Lion and the Cobra,” garnered praise in 1987, but her second album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” launched her into stardom.
Her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” topped the charts in 1990, earning several Grammy nominations.
O’Connor sparked global controversy in 1992 when she tore a picture of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live,” denouncing him as the “real enemy.” The backlash severely impacted her career.
In her later years, O’Connor was candid about her battles with addiction and mental health, delving into her experiences in her 2021 memoir, “Rememberings.”
O’Connor’s turbulent life may have been a source of public intrigue, but her potent voice and lyrical insight made her an unforgettable figure in the world of music. Her powerful performances, poignant lyrics, and raw authenticity touched countless hearts around the globe. Through her music, Sinéad O’Connor leaves a legacy of emotional depth and artistry, serving as a testament to her courage and unyielding spirit in the face of personal turmoil. Her passing signifies a profound loss to the music world, but her soulful voice will continue to resonate, keeping her memory alive for generations.
