A senior coroner for Oxfordshire has confirmed that George Michael died of natural causes.

George Michael, who died on Christmas Day at the age of 53, suffered a dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, according to Darren Salter, senior coroner for Oxfordshire.

The singer died at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

Image source Wikimedia

Thames Valley Police originally said George Michael’s death was unexplained but not suspicious and an initial post-mortem examination was “inconclusive”.

In a statement, the coroner said: “Inquires into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final post-mortem report received.

“As there is a confirmed natural cause of death, being dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, the investigation is being discontinued and there is no need for an inquest or any further enquiries.

“No further updates will be provided and the family requests the media and public respect their privacy.”

Dilated cardiomyopathya is a disease that causes the heart muscle to become stretched and thin and unable to pump blood around the body efficiently.

Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle.