Monday, August 1, 2011

Amy Winehouse, 27, found dead at her London flat after suspected 'drug overdose'

Passing: Amy Winehouse has been found dead at her home this afternoon

Troubled singer had a long battle with drink and drugs

London Ambulance Service found singer at 3.54pm but unable to revive her

She was 'beyond help' according to Sky sources

Autopsy could take place 'within next 24 hours'

Comes after Winehouse was booed off stage after shambolic Serbian show
Amy Winehouse has been found dead at her home in London.


The scene: Amy was pronounced dead this afternoon after emergency services arrived at her house in north London


The Back To Black singer was found at the property by emergency services at 3.54pm, and it's believed Winehouse's death was due to a suspected drug overdose.

Winehouse was apparently 'beyond help' when paramedics arrived, according to Sky sources.

Sources have also claimed Winehouse's death was due to a drug overdose.

Two ambulance crews arrived at the scene within five minutes and a paramedic on a bicycle also attended, according to a spokeswoman.

'Sadly the patient had died,' she added.


Tragic: Winehouse's body is seen being removed from her home


A statement from Winehouse's U.S. record label read: 'We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer.

'Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time.'

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: '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.


Drama: Members of the press and local residents watch as Winehouse's body is taken to the van


'Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained.’

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a press conference this evening that no cause of death had yet been confirmed.

He said: 'I am aware of reports of a suspected drugs overdose, but I would like to reremphaise that no post-mortem has yet taken place and it would be inapproporaite to speculate on the cause of death.



Last public appearance: Amy joined goddaughter Dionne Bromfield on stage during the iTunes festival on Wednesday night


'The death of any person is a sad time of friends and family especially for someone known nationally and internationally like Amy Winehouse. My sympathy extends not only to her family but also to her millions of fans across the world.'

A spokesman for the late singer said: 'Everyone involved with Amy is shocked and devastated.

'Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The family will issue a statement when ready.'

It has also been claimed on gossip website RadarOnline.com that Winehouse's autopsy could take place within the next 24 hours.


Healthy: Amy was spotted out in London looking healthier earlier this month


A Scotland Yard spokesman is quoted by the website as saying: 'The postmortem has not been scheduled yet but it is unlikely to take place before tomorrow.

'In the case of a murder it can be done within hours but this is not the case so tomorrow or even Monday is more likely in these circumstances.'


Mourning: Floral tributes are left outside Amy's house as news breaks of her death


Winehouse had been seen with her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield earlier this week as the teenager took to the stage at the iTunes festival.

She refused to join in for Mama Said, but did support the 14-year-old with a few dance moves before urging the crowd to buy Dionne's new album Good For The Soul.
A source said: 'Amy staggered onstage and grabbed the mic to beg the crowd to buy her protege’s new album.'

Winehouse's appearance at the concert came after she cancelled her European tour following a disastrous performance in June when she stumbled onto the stage in Belgrade and gave an incoherent performance appearing very disorientated and removed from reality.


Heartfelt: One note from a local resident states how much the singer will be missed in her local community


The singer featured on the Sunday Times Rich List earlier this year with an estimated net worth of around £6million.

During her career, Winehouse won awards including five Grammy Awards, a Q Music Award for Best Album for Back To Black and a World Music Award in 2008 for World's Best Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist.


Family: Amy with her father Mitch, to whom she was incredibly close, and her mother Janis


Shambolic: Amy was booed off stage during a shambolic performance in Belgrade in June


Former love: Amy with her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil


Troubled: Amy battled drink and drug addictions during her short life


Weight worries: Amy also caused concern with her shrinking frame, and looked gaunt back in 2008 (right)


Success: Amy performed via video link at the Grammy Awards in 2008 after winning five awards



Musical stylings: Amy caused a stir with her first album Frank in 2004, and followed it with Back To Black in 2006