George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, and passing away on December 25, 2016, was an acclaimed English singer-songwriter and record producer. He holds a place among the highest-selling musicians in history, with estimated global record sales ranging from 100 million to 125 million.
Michael stood out as a prominent and influential figure in the world of popular music, renowned for his innovative contributions to songwriting, exceptional vocal talents, and captivating visual artistry. He reached the top spot on the UK Singles Chart with 13 of his songs and secured 10 number-one hits on the US Billboard Hot 100.
In this article, we will delve into the circumstances surrounding George Michael’s passing and explore the details of his death. Additionally, we will reflect on the posthumous induction of George Michael into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, paying tribute to this musical legend.
George Michael’s 2016 Death: The Unexpected Passing And Cause
George Michael, renowned for his music that touched a global audience since the 1980s, passed away unexpectedly in 2016, deeply shocking and grieving his countless fans. He initially rose to fame as part of the iconic pop duo Wham! and later achieved significant success as a solo artist, selling millions of records.
Despite his public achievements, he faced personal challenges, including the loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, and his mother, Lesley Angold Panayiotou, in the 1990s, marking a difficult period in his life.
Following George Michael’s death, the initial autopsy results were inconclusive, with authorities describing his passing as “unexplained but not suspicious.” However, subsequent extensive examinations revealed that he died from natural causes.
The coroner’s investigation determined that he had dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition where the left ventricle enlarges and becomes less effective at pumping blood, potentially leading to heart failure.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, often triggered by viral infections. Fatty liver disease involves the accumulation of fat in the liver, commonly associated with alcoholism but also affecting non-heavy drinkers, as well as those with obesity and diabetes.
Ridgeley’s emotional response underscored the honor George Michael would have felt in being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The author shared a personal memory of waiting outside the Richfield Coliseum to purchase tickets for Michael’s “The Faith Tour” in 1988, reflecting on the joy and music-filled moments of that time.