London (CNN) George Michael’s sister Melanie Panayiotou was found dead on Christmas Day, exactly three years after the British pop star died, the family’s lawyer has confirmed to CNN.
“We can confirm that very tragically Melanie has passed away suddenly,” the family’s lawyer, John Reid, said in a statement on Friday.
“We would simply ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this very sad time.”
George Michael with his sister, Melanie Panayiotou during the 1980s.
Panayiotou’s death came three years after Michael, 53, died suddenly in 2016 on Christmas Day.
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