Yesterday, news emerged of the tragic passing of Sinead O’Connor aged 56.
In the immediate aftermath of her death, her family issued a statement to RTE reading: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad.
“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The songwriter, who never shyed from speaking her mind and her truth, released ten studio albums, with Nothing Compares 2 U reaching the number one world single spot back in 1990.
Her debut album The Lion and The Cobra was released in 1987 and her second album, I Do Not Want What I haven’t Got sold more than seven million copies across the world.
Now, the Met Police have released a statement regarding O’Connor’s death explaining that they found the singer ‘unresponsive’ and that her death is not being treated as suspicious.
They revealed: “Police were called at 11:18hrs on Wednesday, 26 July to reports of an unresponsive woman at a residential address in the SE24 area.
“Officers attended. A 56-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Next of kin have been notified. The death is not being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Following the news of her death, people have taken to social media to share many thousands of tributes to O’Connor.
Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, paid tribute to O’Connor writing: “Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare.
“Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music. Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam.”
Another heartbreaking tribute came from UFC superstar, Conor McGregor, who shared a message to his followers on X.
The mixed martial artist, who frequently came out to O’Connor’s iconic version of The Foggy Dew, wrote: “The world has lost an artist with the voice of an angel.
“Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend.”
McGregor concluded his tribute, writing: “Sinead’s music will live on and continue to inspire! Rest In Peace, Sinead you are home with your son I am sure.”
O’Connor will be remembered long after her death not only as a fantastic musician and songwriter, but as an artist who fought throughout her life for everything she believed in.
A true artist.
Our thoughts go out to O’Connor’s family and friends during this awful time.
