Singer George Michael has tragically passed away at his home this afternoon.
The huge star pioneered his way to fame through the band Wham with hits such as Last Christmas, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Careless Whisper before going onto later success in his solo career.
Thames Valley Police claim South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT this afternoon where Michael ‘died peacefully’, according to the BBC.
The singer was aged just 53.
GettyIn the immediate aftermath of his death family members claimed that Michael’s death was unexplained however police confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances.
Tributes to Michael flowed in as social media users realised that 2016 had claimed yet another icon:
Oh no ? I can't believe this. Such a big influence ? G @GeorgeMichael RIP
— the script (@thescript) December 25, 2016
'Last Christmas ' will never be the same RIP @GeorgeMichael #georgemichael
— Karl Loxley (@KarlLoxley) December 25, 2016
Wow … RIP George Michael?
— Yasmin (@YasminLauryn) December 25, 2016
RIP.. George MICHAEL… I WILL ALWAYS KEEP THE FAITH..
— Clare chamberss (@mary_jane4404) December 25, 2016
Playing Careless Whisper in memory for George Michael
— Brew World Order (@EBrooksUncut) December 25, 2016
R.I.P. George Michael, thank you for blessing the world with your wonderful music. ?? pic.twitter.com/Brum5SDilL
— Common White Girl (@GirlPosts) December 25, 2016
Rest In Peace George Michael
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) December 25, 2016
What a terribly sad year for iconic musicians passing away. Almost unbelievable really. Shocked at the news of the passing of George Michael
— Hayley McQueen (@HayleyMcQueen) December 25, 2016
? Such sad news to hear this Christmas day. Rest in peace to Wham's ex-singer, George Michael. pic.twitter.com/KB5NNB0VVG
— Plug Society (@ThePlugSociety) December 25, 2016
Honestly speechless .. RIP to the legend George Michael . My deepest condolences to his family and friends . #ripgeorgemichael
— Jake Portis (@JakePortis) December 25, 2016
George Michael was born in 1963 as Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in North London.
Michael went onto sell over 100 million albums throughout his career and is known for countless classics throughout his four decades of song writing.
His death was confirmed by his publicist who wrote:
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.
Our thoughts go out to George’s family and friends at this hard, hard time.
Rest in peace George Michael.
