It has been six months since the Southwark coroner confirmed that Shuhada’ Sadaqat, also known as Sinéad O’Connor, tragically passed away aged 56 from “natural causes” in London on 26 July 2023.
On Saturday, the Irish Independent obtained a copy of the Grammy-winning Irish singer’s death certificate, which revealed she died from “exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma along with mild lower respiratory tract infection.”
Sinéad’s ex-husband number one, John Reynolds, had earlier registered her death last Wednesday in Lambeth, and it was certified by Inner South London’s senior coroner, Julian Morris.
O’Connor, who still has 4.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, was found “unconscious” after police were called to her flat in Herne Hill.
The thrice-divorced mother of four died 18 months after her beloved 17-year-old son Shane Lunny took his own life in 2022 after escaping from hospital.
It has been six months since the Southwark coroner confirmed that Shuhada’ Sadaqat, also known as Sinéad O’Connor, tragically passed away aged 56 from “natural causes” in London on 26 July 2023 (pictured 8 July 2023).
On Saturday, the Irish Independent obtained a copy of the Grammy-winning Irish singer’s death certificate, which revealed she died from “exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma together with mild lower respiratory tract infection” (photo from 1990).
In her final tweet, O’Connor posted a photo of Shane and said: “I’ve been living like an undead creature of the night ever since. He was the love of my life, the lamp to my soul.
‘We were one soul, split into two halves. He was the only person who loved me unconditionally. Without him, I’m lost in the bardo.’
Police were called shortly before 11am on July 26 to Ms O’Connor’s home in London’s SE24 area, which encompasses fashionable Herne Hill and lies between Brixton and Dulwich.
Notable residents of SE24 include actors Mark Rylance, Olivia Colman and James Nesbitt.
This came as MailOnline revealed that Ms O’Connor I had just moved back to London In early July, she called the city her “home” and described her hope and excitement at watching the ballet and writing new songs in the days before her death.
She also said on Facebook that she wanted to go on tour next year in an enthusiastic post a fortnight ago declaring: “The bitch is back,” as her fans hoped the fragile star was getting over the depression and suicidal thoughts that plagued her for so many years, especially after the death of her son Shane last year aged 17.
Tributes for Ms O’Connor poured in after her death was announced in July.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins praised O’Connor’s “extraordinarily beautiful and unique voice” and said he hoped “her spirit (can) find the peace she sought in so many different ways.”
He said: ‘Let me send my sincere condolences to Sinéad O’Connor’s father, John, her family members and all those with whom she shared her life.
Sinéad’s former number one husband John Reynolds (right, pictured in 1994) had earlier registered her death last Wednesday in Lambeth, and it was certified by Inner South London’s senior coroner Julian Morris.
O’Connor, who still has 4.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, was found “unconscious” after police were called to her flat in Herne Hill.
Ms O’Connor filmed her new apartment and appeared happy to have moved back to London in early July, when she was last seen.
In a video tour of his apartment, he showed his guitar on the wall and said he was writing new songs.
She said she was happy to be home in London and showed fans sunflowers from a friend.
Ms O’Connor also tweeted her excitement at seeing a projection of Rudolf Nureyev performing
The block in south-east London into which Ms O’Connor had recently moved
‘My first reaction on hearing the news of Sinéad’s loss was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful and unique voice.
‘What stood out in all the recordings he made and in all his appearances was the authenticity of the interpretation, while his commitment to the delivery of the song and its meaning was total.
‘Those of us who had the privilege of knowing her could not help but be struck by the depth of her courageous commitment to the important issues she brought to public attention, no matter how uncomfortable those truths might be.
‘What Ireland has lost at a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most talented composers, lyricists and performers of recent decades, a person who had a unique talent and an extraordinary connection with her audiences, all of whom felt such love and warmth for her.
‘The way he was able to move across the different forms of the arts was a singular achievement, as was the way his voice traveled around the world and how it was received.
‘His achievements include a body of work for films to the production of perfectly chosen and widely acclaimed lyrics.
‘Sinéad O’Connor’s voice and singing were in many ways original, extraordinary and left one with a deep impression that to have achieved all she did while carrying the burden she did was a powerful achievement in its own way.
‘Her contribution adds to the great contributions of Irish women who have contributed to our lives, to their culture and to their history in unique but unforgettable ways.
‘May your spirit find the peace you sought in so many different ways.’
Sinead O’Connor’s grave is pictured at Deansgrange Cemetery in Bray, Co Wicklow
Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Bray, County Wicklow, in August to pay their respects to O’Connor as her coffin was taken to a private burial.
Pictured: Onlookers applaud as Sinead O’Connor’s coffin passes her former home.
The thrice-divorced mother of four died 18 months after her beloved 17-year-old son Shane Lunny took his own life in 2022 after escaping from hospital.
In her final tweet, O’Connor posted a photo of Shane and said: “I have lived like an undead creature of the night ever since. He was the love of my life, the lamp to my soul.”
She added: “We were one soul split into two halves. He was the only person who had ever loved me unconditionally.” Pictured: Sinead O’Connor on stage at the Olympic Ballroom, Dublin, in March 1988
In the years following his breakthrough, he wrote other hits including You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart (for the soundtrack of the Daniel Day-Lewis film In the Name of the Father), Drink Before The War and This Is The Day.
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor.
‘His music was loved around the world and his talent was unmatched and beyond compare.
‘Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who loved his music.
‘Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam. (At the right hand of God rest his soul/Rest in peace.)’
Tahiti Micheál Martin said he was “devastated” to hear of O’Connor’s death.
He added: ‘One of our greatest musical icons and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland and beyond.
“Our hearts go out to her children, her family, her friends and all who knew and loved her.”
The Irish Embassy in the United States said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. A wonderful artist whose music brought so much joy to people around the world.”
Comedian Dara O’Briain said: “Oh crap, Sinead O’Connor has died. It’s such sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her.”
