A year ago, the world was shocked by the news of the unexpected death of one of the greatest Irish and international vocalists, Sinéad O’Connor.
Police were called to O’Connor’s flat in Herne Hill and found her “unresponsive”. She died just over a year after her son Shane Lunny, then 17, committed suicide.
Losing Shane crushed O’Connor.
Since then I have lived as an undead creature of the night.
He was the light of my soul and the love of my life. We were two parts of one soul.
The only person who ever showed me absolute affection was him. In her latest tweet, the late singer said of her beloved child: “I’m lost in the bard without him.
Now, a year after O’Connor died, her cause of death has been released in her death report. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a low-grade lower respiratory tract infection were the cause of death for the beloved singer and fighter.
It is six months since London’s Inner South Coroner’s Court ruled her death was due to “natural causes”.
The performance of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U brought the singer international recognition.
In a statement to The Irish Times, her family said: “It is with regret that we inform you of the death of our beloved Sinéad. “Her family and friends are devastated and have asked for privacy at this very difficult time.”
The Taoiseach of Ireland at the time, Leo Varadkar, said of O’Connor’s music: “Her music was loved by the whole world and her talent was unsurpassed and unmatched.” Her passing caused a wave of condolences.
Among the public figures who paid tribute to O’Connor in the year of her death was actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
I once heard Sinead sing acapella in an Irish chapel that was abandoned. It was being built in the private residence of our host. One of the most amazing things I’ve ever heard in my life was this. After that, we all went to the festival to see Eminem. I respected her. Her songs. Her life. She was abused as a young woman and was a major force in overturning the harsh, unjust laws in Ireland,” Curtis wrote on Instagram. “She was a fighter. She rebelled. Because of the hypocrisy of the horrible environment in which she was raised under the auspices of the church, she tore up the picture that was on her mother’s wall. This is really depressing. Watch the documentary NOTHING COMPARES. Amazing. Tragic. Get enough sleep. May you rest in peace. May you rest in peace.
O’Connor told her admirers a week before her death that she had just returned to London after a 23-year hiatus and was “very happy to be home”.
Last summer, O’Connor was buried in a Catholic cemetery as a Muslim after converting to Islam and changing her name to Shuhada Sadaqat.
I hope he finds peace.
Finally, the revelation of Sinéad O’Connor’s cause of death brings a sense of closure to the tragic loss of the iconic singer and activist. A year after her unexpected death, her death was confirmed to be the result of a combination of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a low-grade respiratory infection and was ruled “natural causes”. O’Connor’s death was preceded by immense personal loss, most notably the suicide of her son Shane, which affected her deeply.
In her latest message on social media, she painfully expressed her grief, describing Shane as the love of her life and a part of her soul.
Her passing left a deep void both in the music world and in the hearts of those who admired her courage, voice, and activism. O’Connor’s powerful music, particularly her unforgettable rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U”, has earned her worldwide acclaim. However, her legacy extends beyond her music as she has become a symbol of resilience, speaking out on important social issues and confronting injustice, especially in her fight against abuse and institutionalized power such as the Catholic Church.
In the year since her death, O’Connor’s influence has continued to be felt, with public tributes pouring in from fans and celebrities alike, including Jamie Lee Curtis, who shared heartfelt memories of O’Connor’s artistry and strength. Despite the sadness of her death, O’Connor’s life remains a testament to her unwavering spirit and her fight for truth and justice. While she rests in peace, O’Connor’s story is one of deep pain, profound artistic achievement, and a powerful legacy that will endure for generations to come.