George Michael’s sister Melanie Panayiotou has died at the age of 55, three years after the death of the famous singer.
Melanie was found dead at her home in North London by her sister Yioda on Christmas Day, the third anniversary of George’s death.
A representative for George confirmed to the Mirror: “We can confirm that very tragically Melanie has passed away suddenly.
“We would simply ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this very sad time. There will be no further comments.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told the Scottish Sun: “Officers were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 19:35hrs on Wednesday, 25 December to reports of the sudden death of a woman, aged in her 50s, at an address in Oak Hill Park, NW3.”
They also noted that the hairdresser’s death is “not being treated as suspicious”, adding: “A report will be compiled for the Coroner into the circumstances.”
Following George’s death in 2016, Melanie and her family members had been in charge of his estate, which included making decisions about his unreleased music, and the recent film Last Christmas, which featured a previously-unheard song by the late singer.
Two days before her death, Melanie co-signed a letter from her family, published on the singer’s official website, paying their respects to George – who they nicknamed Yog – in the lead-up to his anniversary.
“I think we as a family, (there are lots of us, we Greek Cypriots, we’re everywhere)!! have come to fully appreciate (although we already knew really), quite how much love there is out there in the world, for both Yog and his beautiful music,” they said.
“It seems important that his generosity of spirit and natural empathy have touched you in a way that would have him embarrassed, all your kind words are really good to hear and we know you have always known his true heart.”
The letter continued: “We will be swerving the bad and enjoying the good as much as we can this coming year (2019 has been difficult and busy for George’s hardworking team).
“We are, as usual, staying as positive as possible, which is what we and Yog would wish for you all, and we are all hoping for a peaceful 2020.”