A mural of Sinead O'Connor by artist Emmalene Blake on Dame Lane in Dublin. PA
A mural of Sinead O'Connor by artist Emmalene Blake on Dame Lane in Dublin. PA
A mural of Sinead O'Connor by artist Emmalene Blake on Dame Lane in Dublin. PA
A mural of Sinead O'Connor by artist Emmalene Blake on Dame Lane in Dublin. PA

Sinead O’Connor’s family 'receives late star's remains'


Soraya Ebrahimi
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Sinead O’Connor’s family have now received her remains following a post-mortem examination to determine a cause of death, according to reports.

The singer was found unresponsive by police at her home in south-east London last week, with her death at the age of 56 being treated as not suspicious.

The clerk of the London Inner South Coroner’s Court, John Thompson, confirmed an “autopsy was conducted to secure a medical cause of death”, The Irish Times reported on Thursday.

The newspaper said a statement issued by Mr Thompson on behalf of senior coroner Andrew Harris stated the post-mortem examination report may not be received “for some weeks”.

It added that the conclusion will be publicly disclosed if an inquest is opened into her death.

The news of the Irish Grammy-winning star's death last week sparked a host of tributes from fans and celebrities from around the world, including Scottish singer Annie Lennox, who hailed O’Connor as “bold and beautiful” and a “truth teller” in a poetic tribute.

Irish TV presenter Ryan Tubridy spoke to her days before her death and said “she was as kind, powerful, passionate, determined and decent as ever”.

Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof told a festival crowd in Ireland that the Irish singer had sent him text messages weeks before her death, which were “laden with desperation, despair and sorrow”.

Sinead O'Connor dies at 56 – in pictures

  • Acclaimed Irish singer Sinead O’Connor has died at the age of 56, her family said. AP
    Acclaimed Irish singer Sinead O’Connor has died at the age of 56, her family said. AP
  • O’Connor was propelled to international stardom in 1990 with her version of Nothing Compares 2 U. The ballad, written by Prince, topped the charts around the world. AFP
    O’Connor was propelled to international stardom in 1990 with her version of Nothing Compares 2 U. The ballad, written by Prince, topped the charts around the world. AFP
  • Born Sinead Marie Bernadette O’Connor in Glenageary, County Dublin, in December 1966, the singer has often shared about her difficult childhood. EPA
    Born Sinead Marie Bernadette O’Connor in Glenageary, County Dublin, in December 1966, the singer has often shared about her difficult childhood. EPA
  • O'Connor at Lourdes in France in 1999 where she was ordained as a priest in the Latin Tridentine Church and adopted the name Mother Bernadette Mary O'Connor. PA Images
    O'Connor at Lourdes in France in 1999 where she was ordained as a priest in the Latin Tridentine Church and adopted the name Mother Bernadette Mary O'Connor. PA Images
  • In 2018, O'Connor announced that she had converted to Islam, changing her name to Shuhada. EPA
    In 2018, O'Connor announced that she had converted to Islam, changing her name to Shuhada. EPA
  • O'Connor performs at the Paleo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland in 1997. PA Images
    O'Connor performs at the Paleo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland in 1997. PA Images
  • The singer with her daughter Roisin during an anti-racism demonstration in Dublin in 2000. PA Images
    The singer with her daughter Roisin during an anti-racism demonstration in Dublin in 2000. PA Images
  • Throughout her career, she recorded 10 solo albums, wrote songs for films and collaborated with other artists, but was also well-known for her controversial outbursts. Reuters
    Throughout her career, she recorded 10 solo albums, wrote songs for films and collaborated with other artists, but was also well-known for her controversial outbursts. Reuters
  • At the 17th Rock Oz'Arenes festival in Avenches, Switzerland in 2008. EPA
    At the 17th Rock Oz'Arenes festival in Avenches, Switzerland in 2008. EPA
  • O'Connor at the Positivus Festival in Salacgriva, Latvia, in 2009. Reuters
    O'Connor at the Positivus Festival in Salacgriva, Latvia, in 2009. Reuters

Several gatherings have also been held in the days since O’Connor’s death where members of the public paid tribute to her legacy as a musician and activist.

O’Connor, who was propelled to international stardom in 1990 with her version of the hit Nothing Compares 2 U, was also known for taking fierce stances on social and political issues such as the child abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.

After her death, her music management company, 67 Management, revealed she had been finishing a new album, reviewing tour dates for next year and was also considering “opportunities” around a film of her book before her death.

“Wonderful plans were afoot at this time. Testament and tribute to those who have put their hearts first for Sinead, to whom we are forever grateful,” her management team said in a note shared on its website.

Updated: August 03, 2023, 10:48 PM