Sinead O'Connor's Passing Mysteriously Unveiled: London Police Rule Out Suspicion

Sinead O'Connor's cause of death remains unconfirmed, but authorities have ruled out foul play. London's Metropolitan Police released a statement after news of the singer's passing broke on July 26. Responding to reports of an unresponsive woman at a residential address in the city, O'Connor was pronounced dead at the scene.

The family of O’Connor was informed by the police after her discovery. According to CNN, the statement further stated that the death is not considered suspicious. A coroner's report will be prepared to determine the exact cause of death for the deceased musician.

The family of O'Connor shared their heartbreaking news in a statement to the Irish news outlet RTE on Wednesday, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of their cherished Sinéad. They conveyed that her loved ones and friends are profoundly devastated and respectfully asked for privacy during this incredibly challenging period.

Tributes flooded in from fans worldwide after the news of Sinead O'Connor's passing. The artist, most famous for her rendition of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U," was hailed as a force of nature and a brilliant songwriter and performer. Tori Amos expressed her admiration through social media, acknowledging Sinead's immense talent and intense presence. Amos also commended her for courageously battling her personal demons. Rest in peace, dear Sinead. You will always reside in our hearts.

Country artist Margo Price expressed her support and well wishes for Sinéad O’Connor, hoping she finds the peace she has been searching for. Price also recalled the powerful and daring moment when O'Connor tore up a photograph of the Pope on SNL to protest against sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Price admired O'Connor's boldness, considering her to be way ahead of her time. O'Connor's memorable appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1992 continues to be one of the most controversial and thought-provoking performances in the history of the NBC variety show.

During that time, O'Connor performed a powerful rendition of Bob Marley's "War" in a bold act of protest aimed at the Catholic Church. Surprising everyone, she held up a photograph of Pope John Paul II during her performance and dramatically tore it into pieces. Network executives were completely caught off guard by O'Connor's stunt and producer Lorne Michaels made the decision to keep the "applause" sign turned off in the New York City studio. As a consequence, O'Connor faced a ban from ever appearing on SNL again.

Sinead O’Connor Chris Tuite/ImageSPACE/Shutterstock

In her 2021 memoir, Rememberings, O'Connor illuminated her thought process leading up to the performance, disclosing that she held a different vision during the dress rehearsal. "No one suspects a thing... [Then] the audience is met with complete and utter silence," she expressed. "And when I retreat backstage, there is not a single soul in sight. All doors have shut, and everyone, including my own manager, has disappeared. He locks himself in his room for three days and disconnects his phone."

O'Connor affirmed that the incident realigned her career, stating, "I wasn't destined to be a pop star. That requires being a good girl... After SNL, I was free to be myself."

O’Connor is survived by children Jake, Roisin and Yeshua. Her son Shane died by suicide in January 2022 at age 17.