Inside George Michael's autopsy after his tragic death on Christmas Day

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Music star George Michael is known for his chart-topping hits and incredible talent, but his life was marred by personal troubles and his sudden death in 2016. George Michael’s sudden death on Christmas Day 2016 sent shockwaves around the world.

The star, who went on to enjoy a hugely successful solo career and garnered legions of fans with his music since the 1980s. Michael first found fame as part of the pop duo Wham! before launching a solo career that sold millions of records worldwide.

However, his life off-stage was far from glamorous, with the musician suffering from a huge family loss, dealing with legal troubles, and battling with substance abuse. In the 90s, he lost his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS, and his mother, Lesley Angold Panayiotou, passed away during the same period. These events marked one of the darkest times of his life. After Michael's death, it was revealed he once handed nearly $30,000 to a sobbing stranger in a shocking incident.

Michael was also arrested in a Beverly Hills park in 1998, leading to him publicly coming out as gay. Later, he faced further run-ins with the law over drug possession and driving offenses, which included a spell in jail.

Despite these challenges, those close to him remembered his generosity and kindness. His former partner Kenny Goss told PEOPLE: “He had some issues at the end of his life, but he always had a good heart… If he didn't have the cash to help the hospitals, he'd say, ‘Borrow the damn money. I can always make more money. I'm a talented man.’”

Michael died at his home in Goring-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire, on December 25, 2016. His boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, discovered him unconscious in bed and spent around an hour trying to revive him before calling emergency services. It IT'S a Christmas I will never forget, finding your partner dead peacefully in bed, first thing in the morning. I will never stop missing you xx.”

Following his death, there was some speculation that his passing might have been linked to his past drug use. However, investigators confirmed this was not the case.

His death was officially ruled as a natural cause following a series of autopsies and tests. Initially, an autopsy produced “inconclusive” results. Thames Valley Police described the singer’s passing as “unexplained but not suspicious.” In the months that followed, further investigations were carried out, ultimately revealing the full cause.

The coroner confirmed Michael had suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart’s left ventricle stretches and weakens, limiting its ability to pump blood and potentially leading to heart failure.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart, usually caused by a viral infection. Fatty liver disease is the buildup of fat in the liver, often linked to alcoholism but also associated with obesity or diabetes.

A coroner’s statement said: “Enquiries into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final post-mortem 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 enquiries.”

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