(Photo Credits: Screengrab from @amanda.panayiotou’s Instagram Account)
Fans are in absolute disbelief as news of George Michael’s sister’s passing flooded the social media. Melanie Panayiotou, 59, died this Christmas Day 2019 which is, incidentally, the third death anniversary of the English singer and songwriter as well.
It’s been reported that her body was found by her younger sister Yioda Panayiotou, at her home in North West London on Wednesday, December 25.
The family confirmed the sad news in a statement issued through their lawyer, John Reid, “We can confirm that very tragically Melanie has passed away suddenly. We would simply ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this very sad time.” They added, “There will be no further comment.”
Andrew Ridgeley, one half of ’80s pop duo Wham!, talked about Ms. Panayiotou’s death on Twitter. He said, “Utterly tragic news of Mel Panayiotou’s passing. My thoughts are with her sister and father at this desperately sad time.”
Utterly tragic news of Mel Panayiotou’s passing. My thoughts are with her sister and father at this desperately sad time.
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 27, 2019
Meanwhile, one of Ms. Panayiotou’s hairdresser colleagues in Knightsbridge named Shari Reynolds said in an interview and we quote, “[We are] devastated and in shock that our dear friend and former colleague from the Allan Soh salon in Knightsbridge, London, Melanie Panayiotou has sadly passed away.” Adding, “We are grateful to have shared many wonderful times both in and out of the salon with Melanie and have very fond memories of her. Melanie had a cracking sense of humour and was great company, as well as being very down to earth. Our thoughts are with Yioda and Jack. RIP.”
I’m absolutely speechless. Melanie was the kindest soul- she loved her brother fiercely and protected him always. She’ll be forever missed, and forever loved. My heart is with Jack, Yioda, and the Panayiotou family- they need all the love they can get. #RIPMelanie #GeorgeMichael pic.twitter.com/IpibDhaEYv
— alexis (@badboyslove_) December 27, 2019
I am so very shocked and sad indeed to find out today that three years since we lost #GeorgeMichael his sister Melanie has died. Much much love to the #Panayiotou family. They have been through too much these last few years. xxxx pic.twitter.com/DeCNiz9khA
— Peter Irving (@irvingact3) December 27, 2019
Two days prior to her death, Melanie Panayiotou released a message along with sister Yioda, their father Jack, and longtime manager David Austin thanking fans for supporting the Last Christmas movie and soundtrack. They ended their message by saying, “don’t forget to say your ‘I Love You’s’ and enjoy your celebrations wherever you are. Thank you so much for your kind messages, they lift us when things are tough.” They also reminded fans to “Keep on doing those good deeds in his memory, ‘paying it forward’ if you can.”
The cause of Melanie Panayiotou’s death has not been revealed yet but the police are not treating it as suspicious. To know more about this story, read here.
Unfortunately…
“The Apple Never Falls Far From The Tree.”
Didn’t know he had a sister. Let’s hope it wasn’t related to the sort of lifestyle George had. That sort of glitz, glamour and drugs has a way of spreading to friends and family, unfortunately. Is a rather ironic coincidence, and on Christmas too.
“We would simply ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this very sad time.”
Truly caring people would know what that means, would respect the request, and not turn the trajedy nto Today’s Latest Hot News.