George Michael’s sister, 55, dies on third anniversary of singer’s death

George Michael’s sister Melanie Panayiotou died Wednesday on the third anniversary of the singer’s death, the family’s lawyer confirmed to USA Today.

“We can confirm that very tragically Melanie has passed away suddenly,” the statement from lawyer John Reid read. “We would simply ask that the family’ s privacy be respected at this very sad time.”

Michael has another sister, Yioda.

London’s Metropolitan Police also confirmed Panayiotou’s death to Sky News and The Guardian and stated it is not being treated as suspicious. The cause of death is still unknown.

Michael, the British singer, musician and founding member of Wham!, died the same day three years prior in Goring, England. Two months later, a British coroner determined the singer died of natural causes due to heart disease and a fatty liver.

Michael sold more than 100 million albums globally, earned numerous Grammy Awards, and recorded duets with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Luciano Pavarotti and Elton John, among others.

In 2004, the Radio Academy declared that his music had been played on British radio more than that of any artist between 1984 and 2004.

That year, Michael told USA TODAY that he “was kind of glad that my success level went down in America. I got more of a life, got to enjoy being in America, with less attention than I was used to in Europe. But now I’m strong again. I feel ready to take on the world.”

The pop star’s death at the age of 53 stunned the entertainment community.

“I am in deep shock,” Elton John wrote on Instagram at the time. “I have lost a beloved friend — the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans.”

Read more at usatoday.com.