On January 9, 2024, the London coroner’s office confirmed that Sinead O’Connor, the celebrated Irish singer-songwriter, died from natural causes over five months ago, on July 26, 2023.
O’Connor had been found unresponsive at her southeast London home and was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time, her death was not considered suspicious, but because no cause of death was given, the London Inner South Coroner’s Court ordered an autopsy.
The artist, aged 56 at the time of death, left behind a legacy marked by her unique voice and thought-provoking songwriting.
O’Connor’s music career was distinguished by her powerful voice and her songs that often reflected her views on politics, spirituality, history, and philosophy. Her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra,” released in 1987, received critical acclaim.
Her 1990 follow-up, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” featuring the Prince-composed “Nothing Compares 2 U,” propelled her to global fame. This song, accompanied by its iconic music video, reached No. 1 on the charts.
Known for her controversies as much as her music, O’Connor’s 1992 performance on Saturday Night Live became a pivotal moment in her career. Her act of tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II stirred significant media attention and backlash, yet she continued to make music, releasing ten studio albums, the last in 2014.
Apart from her musical achievements, O’Connor was vocal about her mental health struggles. Her 2021 autobiography, “Rememberings,” provided a candid look into her life and battles with mental health, contributing to a broader discussion on these issues.
She disclosed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and candidly discussed her suicide attempt on social media platforms. Following the tragic suicide of her son Shane in 2022, she was admitted to the hospital. At that time, she expressed on Twitter that life had no meaning for her after his death.
O’Connor’s funeral brought together hundreds of people who lined the streets of her former hometown of Bray, Co Wicklow, Ireland, to pay their respects.
The private funeral, attended by figures like U2’s Bono, Bob Geldof, and Irish President Michael D Higgins, was a testament to her impact.
A musical tribute at New York’s Carnegie Hall is planned for the future, showcasing her influence on the music world and beyond.