GEORGE MICHAEL PASSES AWAY ON CHRISTMAS DAY

The entertainment world received yet another shock, at the the news of veteran singer George Michael, who died in his Oxfordshire home on Christmas day yesterday. According to reports, Michael’s death was as a result of heart failure.  The 53 year old singer  began his career with former band mate and school friend Andrew Ridley, the duo forming the band, WHAM!- reaching No. 1 in the U.K singles charts 4 times; before embracing a solo career spanning almost four decades.

His family announced the sad news in a statement issued through Michael’s publicist. 

‘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 family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.’ 

George Michael-who was born Gergios Kyriacos Panayiotou- joins the sadly long list of celebrities who died this year; which includes David Bowie, boxing legend Mohammed Ali, former U.S First Lady Nancy Reagan, Prince, Patty Duke, Alexis Arquette, Rocky alumni Tony Burton, The Sound of Music alumni Charmian Carr, Harry Potter & Die Hard star Alan Rickman, Everybody Loves Raymond star Doris Roberts, Rapper/former member of Outlawz Big Skye and Growing Pains star, Alan Thicke.