Saturday, July 23, 2011

Amy Winehouse has been found dead at the age of 27.

The Grammy Award-winning singer died at her North London home this afternoon, just days after appearing onstage with her 15-year-old goddaughter Dionne Bromfield.

Metropolitan Police have released a statement, confirming: "Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased.

"On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained."

London Ambulance Service said that it sent two vehicles to the flat after receiving an emergency call at 3.54pm, but Winehouse was unresponsive and could not be revived.

Raj Kohli of the Metropolitan Police formally confirmed tonight that the deceased woman was Winehouse, and added that she was pronounced dead at the scene.

He also said that enquiries into the circumstances of her death are continuing and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

"I am aware of reports suggesting that this death is the result of a suspect drugs overdose," Kohli told members of the press. "But I would like to re-emphasise that no post mortem examination has yet taken place and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death.

"I would urge the media to avoid speculation that may cause further stress to Ms Winehouse's family at this diffcult time. The death of any person is a sad time for friends family, particularly somebody in the case of Amy Winehouse [who is] very well-known nationally and internationally. My sympathy extends not just to her immediate family, but to millions of fans across the world."

An autopsy is reportedly scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Winehouse's record label Universal described her as "a gifted musician, artist and performer", and added: "Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans."

Chris Goodman, Winehouse's spokesman, also released a statement, saying: "Everyone who is involved with Amy is shocked and devastated. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The family will issue a statement when ready."

Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim for her 2003 debut album Frank and its 2006 follow-up Back To Black, Winehouse also became notorious for her continued struggle with drink and drug addictions and her repeated admissions to rehab.

She most recently sought treatment in May, which forced the delay of a planned third studio album.

She later cancelled her European tour after being booed offstage at a show in Belgrade, her last public performance. Witnesses at the doomed date claimed that she was intoxicated and did not want to play.

Winehouse was allegedly told by doctors in May that she would die if she refused to give up alcohol. She was said to have passed out after three separate drinking sessions in July. Credit : Digital Spy