Update!

Amy Winehouse Found Dead in London

Back to Black singer dies at 27 after facing a very public battle with drugs and alcohol

By Brandi Fowler Jul 24, 2011 6:44 AMTags
Amy WinehouseNeil Mockford/Getty Images

In tragic news, Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London flat Saturday.

While the 27-year-old Back to Black crooner has faced a very public battle with drugs and alcohol, the official cause of her death has not yet been announced.

An ambulance was called to her residence in Camden, North London, at approximately 4 p.m. but medics were unable to save her.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Metropolitan police stated, "Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05 hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased. On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene."

Winehouse's record label, Universal Music, confirmed her death Saturday, telling the Daily Mirror, "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

The singer's publicist, Chris Goodman, went on to say "Everyone who was involved with Amy is shocked and devastated," in a statement to the Daily Mirror's Nick Buckley. "Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The family will issue a statement when ready."

News of Winehouse's passing comes just a month after she gave a performance in Serbia in which she staggered around the stage and had trouble with the words to her own songs. The singer's camp later canceled the remainder of her European tour.

Prior to that concert, it appeared Winehouse was getting her life back on track, when she checked herself into rehab at the Priory clinic for her ongoing battle with alcohol at the end of May. However, she quickly checked out only a few days later.

Winehouse's troubles with drug and alcohol were nothing new, however. After famously penning "Rehab" with producer Mark Ronson, the singer became known for her public bouts with substance abuse.

'I've known for a long time that my daughter has problems," Winehouse's mother, Janis Winehouse, told the UK's Sunday Mirror in 2008. "But seeing it on screen rammed it home. I realize my daughter could be dead within the year. We're watching her kill herself, slowly. I've already come to terms with her dead. I've steeled myself to ask her what ground she wants to be buried in, which cemetery. Because the drugs will get her if she stays on this road."

The Recording Academy also followed suit by issuing its own statement regarding the death of the Grammy-winning singer.

"Five-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse was a dynamic performer and musician who seamlessly blended rock, jazz, pop, and soul and created a sound all her own," Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow said. "Her rich, soulful and unique voice reflected her honest songwriting and earned her a devoted fan following, critical acclaim, and the genuine respect and admiration of her musical peers. She will forever be remembered for her immense talent, and her music will live on for generations to come. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time."

(Originally published July 23, 2011 at 10:04 a.m. PT)