Revealing Sinead O'Connor's Cause of Death: A Closer Look
Sinead O'Connor, renowned for her hit 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' passed away at 56 in July 2023 Discover the official cause of her tragic demise
Sinéad O’Connor’s official cause of death has been announced.
The Southwark Coroners Court confirmed on Tuesday, January 9, that O’Connor passed away from natural causes. In a statement, they noted, “The coroner has therefore concluded their involvement in her death.”
The Irish Times verified that the vocalist passed away on July 26, 2023, at 56 years old.
"Announcing the heartbreaking loss of our dear Sinéad brings us great sorrow. Her family and friends are heartbroken and ask for privacy during this extremely challenging time," O’Connor's family stated in a message to RTE.
O'Connor gained widespread recognition for her emotional performance of Prince's hit song "Nothing Compares 2 U," which resulted in nominations for Record of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and the Grammy Award for Best Music Video, Short Form at the 1990 Grammys.
The singer faced numerous challenges throughout her career. In 1992, during a controversial performance of Bob Marley's "War" on Saturday Night Live, O'Connor protested the Catholic Church by displaying and tearing a picture of Pope John Paul II. This led to her permanent ban from the show. Despite facing public criticism, O'Connor has been commended by some for bravely speaking out on important issues despite facing backlash.
Shortly before her passing, O’Connor revealed that she had returned to London and was in the process of working on a new album set for release in 2024. After her death, numerous celebrities honored O’Connor in various ways.
Pink and Brandi Carlile paid tribute to the late singer by performing “Nothing Compares 2 U” together at Pink’s concert in Ohio in July. “When I was a little girl … I used to go down to the Ocean City boardwalk with my 10 dollars and I would make a demo tape,” Pink shared with the audience. “And it would always be either ‘Greatest Love of All’ by Whitney Houston or ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ by Sinéad O’Connor.”
On the other hand, Russell Crowe remembered seeing O’Connor at a pub in Ireland.
Beneath the glow of streetlights, my breath forming mist in the air, I encountered Sinéad. As she gazed into my eyes, she spoke with gentle sincerity, "Oh, it's you Russell." Joining us at the table, she ordered hot tea to ward off the cold. In an open and unrestricted conversation, we delved into topics ranging from the recent heatwave in Dublin to global politics, indigenous recognition, and her cherished memories of New Zealand. I had the opportunity to express to her that she was a personal hero of mine.
In the days before her passing, singer and songwriter Bob Geldof revealed that he had been in contact with O'Connor and witnessed the range of emotions she was experiencing.
During the Cavan Calling Festival in Cavan, Ireland in July 2023, he shared, "She was a dear friend of mine. Some of her messages were filled with sadness and despair, while others were joyfully happy. That's just the way she was."
Before her death, O'Connor had tragically lost her son, Shane, to suicide at the age of 17. She tweeted, "My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the light of my life, has chosen to end his pain and is now with God. May he rest in peace and may no one ever follow his path. I love you so much, my baby. Please find peace."
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O’Connor was later briefly hospitalized after sharing a series of since-deleted tweets about taking her own life.
O’Connor is survived by her three children: Jake, Roisin and Yeshua.
