London, England – One year after being discovered unresponsive at her London home, the cause of death for Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has been confirmed at the age of 56. According to her death certificate, O’Connor passed away from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma, as reported by the Irish Independent.
Her first husband and close friend, John Reynolds, officially registered the death certificate in London last week. The document revealed that O’Connor’s death was a result of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma, along with a low-grade lower respiratory tract infection.
O’Connor, who soared to fame with her global hit cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990, passed away in her south London home on July 26 of the previous year. Despite being found “unresponsive,” police did not treat her death as suspicious. A coroner later ruled that her death was due to natural causes.
Known for her outspoken activism, highlighted by tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II during a Saturday Night Live performance in 1992, O’Connor’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, collaborators, and admirers around the world.
Irish taoiseach at the time, Leo Varadkar, praised O’Connor’s talent and influence, stating, “Her music was loved around the world, and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare.” O’Connor’s death came within 18 months of the tragic passing of her 17-year-old son, Shane, who went missing. She is survived by her three remaining children.
The confirmation of O’Connor’s cause of death sheds light on the health struggles she faced, further cementing her legacy as a talented and resilient artist who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her impact and contributions will continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.