Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor, famed for her iconic rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” passed away at the age of 56 in July, according to statements from London’s Metropolitan Police and the Southwark Coroner’s Court. Authorities declared her death as resulting from “natural causes,” dispelling any suspicions of foul play after she was discovered unresponsive in a southeast London residence on July 26.
The Southwark Coroner’s Court, which confirmed the cause of death, did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the natural causes. O’Connor, who initially gained recognition through street performances in Dublin, had a tumultuous life marked by both musical success and personal challenges.
The renowned singer was notably open about her struggles with mental illness, and her hospitalization followed the tragic suicide of her teenage son, Shane, in 2022.
Throughout her career, Sinead O’Connor remained a non-conformist, expressing bold political and cultural opinions. She gained acclaim not only for her musical talent but also for her outspoken criticism of the Roman Catholic Church, a stance she maintained long before widespread reports of sexual abuse within the clergy emerged.
In August, thousands of fans paid tribute to O’Connor during a funeral procession in Bray, the Irish town she called home. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and U2’s Bono were among those who attended the procession, honoring the life and legacy of the influential artist.
