Private funeral for Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse has been buried at a private funeral attended by just her family and close friends. Her father Mitch told fans gathered outside her north London house: “We are devastated.”
According to Jewish tradition, a funeral should take place as soon as possible after a person dies.
Reports say the family will be observing the Shiva period – the initial Jewish mourning process. It begins on the day of the burial and lasts for seven days. It is traditionally a time for solemnity in the home, and it is customary for mirrors to be covered and for mourners to stay away from work or school.
Amy Winehouse‘s funeral took place a day after police revealed they will have to wait for up to four weeks for the results of toxicology tests to establish how the 27-year-old died. A post-mortem carried out on Monday was inconclusive. It was opened and adjourned until 26 October, and no cause of death was given. However, the circumstances were described as “non-suspicious” by the coroner.
Music producer Mark Ronson was amongst the guests at the funeral
Family’s grief
The singer’s parents, Mitch and Janis, have been to see the tributes laid by fans outside the singer’s Camden flat. They sobbed as they looked at the flowers, candles and pictures which have been left. Some have also placed cigarette boxes and alcoholic drinks by the police tape surrounding her home.
Mr Winehouse described his daughter’s death as “devastating”, and said: “Amy was about one thing, and that was love.”
He told the gathered fans: “Her whole life was devoted to her family and her friends and to you guys as well.
“We are devastated and I am speechless, but thanks for coming.”