George Michael’s post-mortem will be carried out ‘in due course’, according to the coroner’s office that will be investigating his death.
The 53-year-old pop star, who died on Christmas Day 2016 at his home in Goring-on-Thames, has been referred to Oxfordshire Coroner’s Office – which said there’s currently no reason to suggest his cause of death was suspicious.
In a statement, the office said: “The death of Mr George Michael has been reported to the Oxfordshire Coroner’s Office.
“As with all deaths where the cause of death is not immediately apparent, a post-mortem examination is to be undertaken in due course in order to confirm the cause of death.
(Photo: Rex Features)
“This information is required before the coroner can decide whether there is a need for an inquest. If a natural cause of death is confirmed, there will be no need for an inquest.
“All of this is in accordance with normal procedures and does not imply that there is currently any reason to believe the cause of death is in any way suspicious.”
George – real name Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou – was discovered in bed at home by his partner Fadi Fawaz ahead of a planned Christmas dinner.
(Photo: Getty Images)
He later tweeted: “ITs a xmas i will never forget finding your partner dead peacefully in bed first thing in the morning.. I will never stop missing you xx”
Tributes have been flooding in from around the world, and a big concert held in George’s name is being planned by his celebrity friends.
Elton John is said to be preparing a Princess Diana-style tribute to his old mate, with whom he fell out for a period of many years over disagreements with George’s lifestyle.
It’s thought that George’s death was due to heart failure, but this won’t be confirmed until the coroner has examined his body in the New Year.