Two ambulances were called, but 27-year-old singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse was pronounced dead on the scene. No cause of death has been given yet.
Amy did struggle with health problems related to addiction and to substance abuse. She had the beginnings of emphysema, which would have been manageable, but she was also unfortunately known for erratic behavior and inconsistent performances, and recently cancelled a summer tour.
You’ll see an explosion of media outlets and celebrity magazines rushing to cash in on this death, as they do. I ask you to remember that Amy was somebody’s little girl. And unfortunately she was still little more than a baby when she died. Twenty-seven years old, people. Twenty-seven.
I am not familiar with Amy’s work, but I couldn’t let this death pass without comment. Whatever the cause of this premature loss, it’s a shame to think it could have been something entirely preventable. My condolences to Amy’s family—and for the rest of us, here’s a chilling oration about addiction from somebody usually known as a comedian: Craig Ferguson.
Well put. A lot of people are saying some pretty awful things. Amy Winehouse not only suffered from health problems related to addiction, but also Bipolar Illness, to which her addiction was likely linked. Nevermind that she was talented–she was a lost soul who deserves respect, especially in death. Thanks for writing something.
Hi Whitney!
Thanks for commenting.
I’m grossed out at a fundamental level whenever I see the media and the public getting off on another person’s self-destruction. Amy Winehouse was a child. A child! And now she’s dead.
I’m also really disgusted with this “27 club” business. Hey everybody, quick group huddle… maybe we should be careful with insinuations that there’s any romantic, celebrity status associated with fast living and dying young.
There’s nothing mystical or magical about dying on the same year as Morrison and Cobain. It’s tragedy, no chaser.