
George Michael’s cause of death revealed
By Gemma Strong
More than two months after his untimely passing, George Michael's cause of death has finally been revealed. The pop star died of natural causes after suffering a dilated cardiomyopathya with myocarditis and fatty liver, Darren Salter, senior coroner for Oxfordshire revealed in his official findings.
George passed away on Christmas Day at his home in Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. He was 53.
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Thames Police initially said his death was unexplained but not suspicious. An initial post-mortem examination proved inconclusive. In his statement, Mr Salter said: "Inquiries into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final post-mortem report received. As there is a confirmed natural cause of death, being dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, the investigation is being discontinued and there is no need for an inquest or any further enquiries. No further updates will be provided and the family requests the media and public respect their privacy."
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Dilated cardiomyopathya is a disease that causes the heart muscle to become stretched and thin, and unable to pump blood around the body effectively, according to the British Heart Foundation. Myocarditis refers to the inflammation of the heart muscle.
The coroner's conclusion brings to an end months of speculation about the cause of George's death. It will no doubt bring comfort to the star's loved ones, who until now have been unable to hold a funeral to say their final goodbyes. Just last month, George's former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley admitted he was still in "limbo" following his death. "We've not had closure," he said at the Brit Awards, where he had earlier paid a poignant tribute to George. "It's difficult for me. It's difficult for everyone. It's a limbo period and we need to be able to move on."