British pop star George Michael dies aged 53

British pop star George Michael died at his home on Christmas Day‚ his publicist said on Sunday.

“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 publicist said in a statement.

Thames Valley Police said the ambulance service had attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire, where the singer lived, at 1342 GMT on Sunday and a 53-year-old man was confirmed dead at the scene.

 “At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A post-mortem will be undertaken in due course,” the police said.

Billboard magazine quoted Michael’s manager Michael Lippman as saying the singer had died of heart failure.

Michael rose to fame with the band Wham! in the 1980s and later went on to have a successful solo careers.

According to AFP‚ an ambulance was called to the singer’s home on Sunday afternoon. Police also attended and the star was confirmed dead at the scene.

“At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A post-mortem will be undertaken in due course‚” the police said in a statement.

George’s former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley took to Twitter on Sunday to share his shock and heartbreak at the news.

 

 

While other tributes have poured in from around the world.

Singer Elton John posted a picture of himself with George on Instagram‚ alongside a caption paying tribute.

“I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend — the kindest‚ most generous soul and a brilliant artist‚” Elton wrote.

Madonna posted a video of herself with George and the caption: “Farewell my friend! Another great artist leaves us.”

 

A video posted by Madonna (@madonna) on

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