Sinéad O’Connor’s cause of death has been confirmed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma, according to her death certificate. The Irish artist and activist passed away at the age of 56 last year, with her first husband and close friend, John Reynolds, registering the death certificate in London recently.
The document stated that O’Connor’s death was a result of an exacerbation of COPD and bronchial asthma, along with a low-grade lower respiratory tract infection. She was found unresponsive in her south London home on 26 July, with police ruling out any suspicion surrounding her death. A coroner later determined that she died of natural causes.
Throughout her three-decade career, O’Connor achieved global success with her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990. Despite her reluctance for the spotlight, she became known as an outspoken activist, famously tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II during a performance on Saturday Night Live in 1992.
Following her death, tributes poured in from friends, peers, collaborators, and public figures. Thousands gathered in Ireland for her funeral, where Ireland’s former taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, praised her talent and influence on the music industry.
Tragically, O’Connor’s death came just 18 months after the loss of her 17-year-old son, Shane. She is survived by her three remaining children.
In times of crisis, it is essential to reach out for help. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans offer support at 116 123 or through email at jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, while in Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is available at 13 11 14. Additional international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org. It is important to remember that help is always available in times of need.