George Michael’s sister Melanie Panayiotou found dead on third anniversary of singer’s death
The hairdresser, 55, died on Christmas Day - exactly three years to the day since her brother's tragic death.
By Will Stroude
George Michael’s sister Melanie Panayiotou has died suddenly at the age 55.
The hairdresser was found dead at her home in Hampstead, London by sister Yioda on Christmas Day – exactly three years to the day since older brother George tragically passed away, The Independent reports.
A cause of death has not been revealed.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 19:35hrs on Wednesday, 25 December to reports of the sudden death of a woman, aged in her 50s, at an address in Oak Hill Park, NW3.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious by police. A report will be compiled for the Coroner into the circumstances.”
Thw London Ambulance Service told The Mirror in a statement: “LAS was called on Christmas Day at 19:36 with a request to attend an address in North West London.
“We sent a double crewed ambulance that arrived at the address at 19″46 to treat one adult patient. Sadly, the patient had died.”
Melanie was said to share an incredibly close bond with brother George, who passed away from natural causes on Christmas Day 2016 at the age of 53.
As recently as last month the late singer’s sibling penned a piece for The Big Issue in which she insisted George was “very proud to be gay” after claims to the contrary by his friend Sir Elton John.
Melanie’s death came just two days after she issued a joint statement with sister Yioda, dad Jack and George’s manager David Austin thanking George’s fans for their continued support ahead of the anniversary of George’s death.
“Thank you so much for your kind messages, they lift us when things are tough,” the family wrote.
“Keep on doing those good deeds in his memory, ‘paying it forward’ if you can.”