Sinéad O’Connor's cause of death revealed by coroner

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The music icon died last July.

Christopher Wiggins

Christopher Wiggins is The Advocate’s senior national reporter in Washington, D.C., covering the intersection of public policy and politics with LGBTQ+ lives, including The White House, U.S. Congress, Supreme Court, and federal agencies. He has written multiple cover story profiles for The Advocate’s print magazine, profiling figures like Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride, longtime LGBTQ+ ally Vice President Kamala Harris, and ABC Good Morning America Weekend anchor Gio Benitez. Wiggins is committed to amplifying untold stories, especially as the second Trump administration’s policies impact LGBTQ+ (and particularly transgender) rights, and can be reached at christopher.wiggins@equalpride.com or on BlueSky at cwnewser.bsky.social; whistleblowers can securely contact him on Signal at cwdc.98.

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Christopher Wiggins

January 09 2024 12:46 PM EST

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Sinéad O’Connor, the renowned Irish singer and activist, died of natural causes last July, a coroner has ruled.

According to the London Inner South Coroner’s Court, O’Connor passed away at the age of 56 due to natural causes, the New York Timesreports. Her death in July was initially surrounded by uncertainty regarding the cause, given its proximity to a recent tragedy in the singer’s life, leading to an autopsy. The results put to bed any speculation over the performer’s untimely death.

O’Connor, best known for her soulful rendition of the song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” released 10 albums throughout her illustrious career.

Beyond her musical achievements, O’Connor was also a prominent figure for her activism. In 1992, O’Connor sparked controversy on Saturday Night Live by tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II. The photo, which belonged to her abusive mother, symbolized her protest against the trauma she suffered under a devoutly Catholic upbringing. Simultaneously, it was a bold statement against the widespread child abuse within the Catholic Church, particularly in Ireland,

Her life, marked by her artistic and activist endeavors, also included personal challenges. O’Connor is survived by three children. Her son Shane died the year before her death.