Amy Winehouse post mortem ‘inconclusive’
A post mortem into the death of award-winning singer Amy Winehouse has not established a cause of death. Results of further toxicology tests will take up to a month.
The Metropolitan Police said the post mortem examination of Ms Winehouse’s body at St Pancras Mortuary “did not establish a formal cause of death”.
The force said it awaited the results of further toxicology tests, the results of which are not expected before 2 to 4 weeks. An inquest into Ms Winehouse’s death was also opened and adjourned until 26 October this afternoon, to allow her family to make funeral arrangements.
Ms Winehouse’s body was found in her London home on Saturday. The 27-year old singer’s problems with drugs and alcohol have been well documented, and many jumped to blame her addictions for her death. But the Metropolitan Police is treating her death as “unexplained” while investigations continue.
Ms Winehouse’s family identified her body this morning before visiting her former home, where her father Mitch said he was “devastated and speechless” over his daughter’s death. He also thanked fans for coming to pay tribute, telling them: “I can’t tell you what this means to us.”
Tributes to Amy Winehouse
The area surrounding Ms Winehouse’s home has become a shrine to the star, with fans leaving tokens of respect – including flowers, candles and notes – at the edge of a police cordon around the house.
Mitch Winehouse, Amy’s father, thanked fans and reporters for coming, shaking many by the hand.
You people in the street, I can’t tell you what this means to us. Amy was about one thing and that was love. Mitch Winehouse
Mr Winehouse said: “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. I know a lot of you, we’ve been together for five, six years, I know you’ve got a job to do. I’m glad you’re all here anyway.
“And you people in the street, I can’t tell you what this means to us – it really is making this a lot easier for us. Amy was about one thing and that was love, her whole life was devoted to her family and her friends and to you guys as well.
“We’re devastated and I’m speechless but thanks for coming.”
Amy’s mother, Janis, was in tears as she looked at the tributes. One of the notes read: “Too fragile, too beautiful, too big a talent for this world”. Other tributes included alcoholic drinks and cigarettes.
Celebrities have honoured Ms Winehouse, including Russell Brand, who has also struggled with drug addiction. He wrote a moving post on his blog in response to the singer’s death, and called for more help for addicts.
It read: “Whether this tragedy was preventable or not is now irrelevant. It is not preventable today. We have lost a beautiful and talented woman to this disease. Not all addicts have Amy’s incredible talent…
“All we can do is adapt the way we view this condition, not as a crime or a romantic affectation but as a disease that will kill. We need to review the way society treats addicts, not as criminals but as sick people in need of care.”
Pressure in recent weeks
Ms Winehouse had cancelled all tour dates and engagements last month after a series of erratic public appearances. She was booed for appearing too drunk to perform at a gig in Serbia.
Metropolis Music, Ms Winehouse’s management company, released a statement saying: “We are trying to come to terms with the death of a dear friend and colleague, the most amazing artist and talent.
“We will always remember Amy as a vibrant, funny, caring young woman who made everyone around her feel welcome. We have lost a very special person, part of our family.”