George Michael's sister Melanie Panayiotou passed away on Christmas Day - three years after the Wham singer's death.
The sad news was announced by the Metropolitan Police. They issued a statement which read: "Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 19:35hrs on Wednesday, 25 December to reports of the sudden death of a woman, aged in her 50s, at an address in Oak Hill Park, NW3.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious by police.
"A report will be compiled for the Coroner into the circumstances."
In the video below, George Michael's partner Kenny Goss opens up about life with the star:Lawyer John Reid confirmed the news on behalf of Panayiotou's family to the Mirror: "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."
Panayiotou passed away at the age of 55 and her cause of death is not yet known.
Her death occurred exactly three years after her brother's. George Michael was found dead on Christmas Day at the age of 53. A subsequent autopsy revealed that he had died from dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver.
Panayiotou was extremely close to her brother, who she nicknamed Yog, and last month, she opened up to the Big Issue about Last Christmas - a film based around his music.
She said: "As many of you know, Yog adored Christmas and he loved the idea of this film. I am sure he will be enjoying seeing Emilia [Clarke]’s amazing light bulb smile, something they share, across the celestial miles!
"And, most importantly, we all, together with our dear departed Yog (my 'very proud to be gay' brother - contrary to what you may have read recently!) wish a very merry, merry Christmas to Big Issue sellers and readers alike."
We would like to take this opportunity to offer our sincere condolences to Panayiotou's friends and family.
