George Michael died of natural causes, coroner says

GEORGE MICHAEL died of natural causes from dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, a coroner has said.

The 53-year-old musician was found dead at his home in Goring-on-Thames on Christmas Day.

Darren Salter, Oxfordshire’s senior coroner, said in a statement: “Inquiries into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final postmortem report received.

“As there is a confirmed natural cause of death, being dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, the investigation is being discontinued and there is no need for an inquest or any further inquiries.”

Michael’s boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, tweeted a black and white photograph of him being embraced by Michael with the caption: “The Truth is out...”

Mr Fawaz also criticised the negative publicity he endured in the weeks following George’s death and in particular the leaked 999 call of his attempt to revive the singer after finding him lifeless in bed. He tweeted: “All the nasty com- ments, press and 999 were very cruel and unnecessary whatsoever, Now I hope to receive some real LOVE x.”

Michael, who rose to fame as the frontman of Wham! and had chart-topping hits including Last Christmas and Freedom, suffered health scares and fought drug addiction for years.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, which becomes stretched and thin, affecting how blood is pumped around the body.

In some cases it is an inherited condition but it can also be caused by viral infections, uncontrolled high blood pressure, problems with the heart valves or excessive drinking.

Myocarditis is inflammation in or around the heart and is usually caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Symptoms include pain or tightness in the chest which can spread to other parts of the body.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by a build-up of fat in the liver and is usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.

Michael’s former partner, Kenny Goss, has said previously that he believed the pop superstar’s body “just gave up”.