Sinead O'Connor's body released after autopsy to establish cause of death

03 August 2023 , 18:49

663     0

Sinead O'Connor's body released after autopsy to establish cause of death

Sinead O'Connor's body has now been released to her relatives following an autopsy.

The music legend who away from the spotlight went by the name Shuhada' Sadaqat, famed for her powerful voice sadly died aged 56 on July 26 at her home in south-east London after she was found unresponsive. At the time, it was believed her death was not being treated as suspicious.

Sinead's body was later taken for an autopsy in order to "secure a medical cause of death" but a post-mortem examination report may not be received for "some weeks". Shortly after Sinead's tragic death was announced London Inner South Coroner's Court confirmed that they would make a decision as to whether they will open an inquest after the results of the autopsy are known and following submissions from her relatives.

Sinead, pictured here in 2020, died aged 56 on July 26, 2023 (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, John Thompson, clerk at the London Inner South district court confirmed in a statement on behalf of senior coroner Andrew Harris that the conclusion of the autopsy will be publicly disclosed if an inquest is opened. It's believed that Grammy Award winning O'Connor had been living just off of Brick Lane in east London for just several weeks before she died. Confirming her death, her heartbroken family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."

Sinead died just 18 months following the death of her son Shane, who died aged 17 after he left a hospital while on suicide watch. Prior to her death, the musician shared a picture of her beloved son on Twitter and penned: "Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him."

Taylor Swift seen looking cosy with Matty Healy's mum Denise Welch months ago

The award-winning singer, famous for her philanthropy work and music passed away 18 months after her son, Shane (The Washington Post via Getty Im)

She had been updating fans on her Twitter account about her life and revealed she was planning to create music in the lead-up to her passing. Her management team later revealed that she had been putting the finishing touches to a new album, her first studio record in nine years. She was also looking at finalising upcoming tour dates for 2024 and had been exploring "opportunities around a movie of her book.

In a statement on their website, 67 Management said: "Wonderful plans were afoot at this time. Testament and tribute to those who have put their hearts first for Sinead, to whom we are forever grateful." The star who was catapulted to global stardom with her rendition of Nothing Compares 2 U was known for being outspoken and never being afraid to hold back.

Over the course of her life, Sinead battled several hardships and bravely opened up about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her late mother. In an emotional interview, she revealed her mum didn't want a daughter and would often make Sinead dress similar to a boy and kicked her in her uterus. She disclosed her experience in her song ' Fire on Babylon' and since sharing her ordeal has been a strong voice for children who had also been abused.

Sinead famously tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II after the Irish Catholic Church committed and covered up child abuse (NBC/youtube)

But never being one to refrain from standing up for wrongdoings, Sinead also attracted controversies, most famously in 1992, she used a performance on Saturday Night Live to protest child abuse, ripping a picture of Pope John Paul II while singing the line: "We have confidence in good over evil," holding up a photo of then Pope John Paul II as she spoke the word 'evil'. She later threw the ripped images of the Pope to the ground and said: "Fight the real enemy". Sinead was subsequently blocked from performing on the programme but used her platform to protest against child abuse which had been committed and also covered by the Catholic Church in England.

Discussing Sinead's bold decision following her death, Sir Bob Geldof paid tribute at a gig just days later, saying: "She tore up the picture of the Pope because she saw me tear up the picture of John Travolta on Top Of The Pops. It was a little more extreme than tearing up f***ing disco. Tearing up the Vatican is a whole other thing but more correct actually. I should have done it."

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

Daniel Bird