Sinead O’Connor found ‘unresponsive’ at home as police issue full statement after death

Sinéad O'Connor was found "unresponsive" at home and police have issued a statement following her tragic death at 56 years old.

It read: "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."

On July 26, the iconic singer's family confirmed her death and told Irish media they were "devastated". In a statement, they said: "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."

In January last year, Sinead announced her 17-year-old son Shane had died after deciding to "end his earthly struggle", having been reported missing from County Kildare the night before.

"May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace," she wrote on Twitter.

The singer later cancelled all of her tour dates while grieving her son, having been admitted to hospital herself a few days after Shane's death. She had been due to perform at events including the Galway International Arts Festival, but told fans she would not be returning to the stage until at least 2023.

A statement shared on her official website read: "We would like to respectfully announce that due to the ongoing bereavement process, Sinéad has been advised it would be healthier for her to take the remainder of this year off and we hope to reschedule shows for 2023 when she is feeling stronger."

After Sinéad's death was confirmed, tributes – understandably, given her legend and impact – poured in. Writer Bonnie Greer described the singer – who shot to fame after experiencing a massive hit with the Prince song Nothing Compares 2 U – as having a great soul music voice.

She tweeted: "Soul music is not about 'ooh, baby, baby'. And I know about soul music because I was born and grew up around where Sam Cooke sang… and #Prince knew that #Sinead had it in her, too – that's why she got his song. But her voice was #Ireland right down to the ground."

Irish author Marian Keyes described the news as "heartbreaking", and went on to brand the singer as an "amazing, brave, beautiful, unique wonder", while writer Caitlin Moran said she was "THE greatest voice of her generation, no contest", dubbing her "fearless".

Victoria Mary Clarke, the wife of The Pogues star Shane MacGowan, thanked Sinéad for her "love and friendship".

Posting a photo on Twitter of her husband and the singer together from their younger years, she wrote: "We don't really have words for this but we want to thank you Sinead.

"For your love and your friendship and your compassion and your humour and your incredible music. We pray that you are at peace now with your beautiful boy. Love Victoria and Shane."

Victoria, who retweeted a picture of the singer and her late son Shane, also remembered her as "incredibly funny" in a second post. She added: "She told outrageous jokes at the most inappropriate times and she cracked me up! There will never be anyone even remotely like her."

Singer Cat Stevens – who, like Sinéad, converted to Islam – said "she was a tender soul", while singer-songwriter Billy Bragg described her as "braver than brave".

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