George Michael's Sister Passes Away Unexpectedly On The Third Anniversary Of His Death

Once again, tragedy has struck George Michael‘s family at Christmas time.

The late superstar singer’s younger sister, Melanie Panayiotou, passed away on Christmas, London police confirmed — exactly three years to the day after her iconic older brother (pictured above, performing at the European Music Awards in 1994) was found dead. She was just 55 years old.

According to The Guardian, police and paramedics were called to Panayiotou’s North London residence on Wednesday evening, where the makeup artist and hairdresser’s older sister Yioda reportedly found her deceased. Though her death has been reported as “sudden,” at this point officials say it is not being treated as suspicious.

In a statement to The Sun, family lawyer John Reid, confirmed Melanie’s death, and added (below):

“We can confirm that very tragically Melanie has passed away suddenly. We would simply ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this very sad time.”

So, so sad.

And it’s doubly awful because of the terrible connection to Christmas, and to George’s prior death. As you’ll recall, the Wham! singer — born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou — was found dead at the age of 53 in his own London-area home at on Christmas Day in 2016 by boyfriend Fadi Fawaz. It was later determined the performer had died of natural causes, with the coroner confirming he had been suffering from fatty liver and a dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis.

A Family In Mourning

The legendary singer was very, very close to his younger sister. She was well known during Michael’s career for cutting his hair and doing his makeup while he traveled and toured the world. The Careless Whisper singer also left her millions of dollars in his will after he passed away.

Just days before Melanie’s death, on December 23, the entire Panayiotou family issued a public statement about Christmas time and George’s legacy, per The Guardian:

“We have come full circle again, and Christmas time and the holidays are upon us once more. I think we as a family have come to fully appreciate quite how much love there is out there in the world, for both Yog [George Michael’s nickname] and his beautiful music. We know how much his lyrics can offer support when things are tough and help celebrate when times are good and life is going well, and that is just as powerful now as if he were still with us, and as many of you say in your messages, it’s a gift.”

Very powerful stuff, indeed.

This is such a sad, sudden tragedy to hit the family again. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

RIP, Melanie.

[Image via WENN]