George Michael's loved ones 'touched beyond words' in tribute to fans following his death

Jamie Bullen27 December 2016
The Weekender

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Family and friends of iconic pop star George Michael said they are "touched beyond words" in a touching tribute to his fans following the singer's tragic death.

The star’s publicist thanked the "many, many kind words" and airplay given to the 53-year-old since he died at his home in Oxfordshire on Christmas Day.

In a statement, rumours of reported heart failure as the cause of death were dismissed as fans continued to visit his home in Highgate, north London, on Tuesday to lay flowers to show respect.

The statement read: "The family and close friends of George have been touched beyond words by the incredible outpouring of love for him in the hours and days since his death.

"For someone whose life was ultimately about his music and the love he had for his family and friends, his fans and the world at large, there could be no more fitting tribute than the many, many, kind words that have been said and the numerous plays his records have received.

Tribute to fans: Family and friends of George Michael have thanked fans for "many, many kind words" following star's death
PA

"Contrary to some reports, there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and from the bottom of our hearts we thank those who, rightly, have chosen to celebrate his life and legacy at this most distressing of times."

Fadi Fawaz, who began seeing Michael following his split from long-term partner Kenny Goss, said he found the star dead when he arrived to wake him ahead of a planned Christmas Day lunch.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "I went round there to wake him up and he was just gone, lying peacefully in bed. We don't know what happened yet.

Tributes to the star have come from around the world
PA

"Everything had been very complicated recently, but George was looking forward to Christmas, and so was I.

"Now everything is ruined. I want people to remember him the way he was - he was a beautiful person."

Mr Michael officially announced in 2011 that his 15-year relationship with Mr Goss had ended - but said the pair had actually split around two years earlier.

Missed: Fans have left candles, flowers, tributes and photos of George Michael outside the home in Goring where he was found dead on Christmas Day
Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Their relationship was first revealed when the star came out as gay after he was arrested in public toilets in Beverly Hills, California, in 1998 for engaging in a lewd act.

In a statement, Mr Goss said: "I'm heartbroken with the news that my dear friend and long-time love George Michael has passed.

George Michael - In pictures

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"He was a major part of my life and I loved him very, very much. He was an extremely kind and generous man.

"The beautiful memories and music he brought to the world will always be an important part of my life and those who also loved and admired him."

After his death it emerged Mr Michael had quietly donated millions of pounds to charities, gave a stranger money for IVF treatment, and anonymously volunteered at a homeless shelter.

The singer - whose real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou - sold more than 100 million albums throughout his career.

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