Amy Winehouse Dead: 'DRINKS AND DRUG BINGE' say Police - International Business Times

Amy Winehouse Dead: 'Drink and Drug Binge' Likely: Police

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home yesterday afternoon after what police say is drug related, capping the end to a short life and even shorter career.

While the official cause is not declared yet, Winehouse, publically battled with drugs and alcohol, and police reports indicate she fought her final battle.

"Police were called by London Ambulance Service shortly before 4.05pm following reports of a woman found deceased. Officers found a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene," a spokesman for Scotland Yard said. "This looks like she has died after a drink and drugs binge."

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman told UK's The Mirror that crews arrived in under five minutes but "sadly the patient had died."

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There was no sign of foul play, police said, and nothing suspicious about the death. Official details will not be known until the postmortem examine emerges sometime Sunday.

Matter of Time

The "Rehab" singer's problems with substance abuse were well-documented.

"They tried to make me go to rehab," she sang on her hit 2006 single, "Rehab." "I said 'No, no no."'

Winehouse's performances were sometimes shambolic, and she admitted she was "a terrible drunk."

Winehouse had earlier cancelled a European tour following a disastrous performance in June, when she stumbled all over a stage in Belgrade The concert was so bad, it triggered a viral-video outpouring.

Her spokesman released a statement shortly afterward, saying the singer would be sidelined until she recovered.

"Everyone involved wishes to do everything they can to help her return to her best, and she will be given as long as it takes to make this happen," the statement read.

Her life style and drug abuse was also taking a toll on her physical health.

In 2010 her father said she had developed the lung disease emphysema from smoking cigarettes and crack, though her spokeswoman said she only had "early signs of what could lead to emphysema."

Photos have also emerged of her appearing unhealthily thin, with scabs on her face and marks on her arms.

Winehouse's mother, Janis Winehouse, told The Daily Mirror Sunday she believed Amy's death was "only a matter of time" after seeing her just a day prior to her death.

"She seemed out of it. But her passing so suddenly still hasn't hit me."

She said Amy told her she loved her as they parted company on Friday, saying, "They are the words I will always treasure ... I'm glad I saw her when I did."

Stars Pour out Condolences

Despite the young singer's public struggle with drugs and alcohol, Winehouse's death has shocked her fans and the celebrity community, prompting an outpouring of condolences on Twitter.

"Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now! #DearAmy," tweeted U.S. pop-star Rihanna.

Tony Bennett, who recorded "Body And Soul" with Winehouse in London called her "an artist of immense proportions."

"She was an extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist and I am truly devastated that her exceptional talent has come to such an early end," he said.

Her broad appeal was evident as condolences poured from not only from fans and others in the music industry, but across Hollywood in general.

"Just heard a report amy winehouse has died. If true, such a waste of a great talent," said CNN's Anderson Cooper.

"Truly sad news about Amy Winehouse. My heart goes out to her family. May her troubled soul find peace," added Demi Moore.

Emergency officials found the body of the 27 year old in her north London property around 3:54 p.m. sources told the BBC.

Legacy

Winehouse, who is known for her powerful contralto vocals, won much acclamation when she was 20 with her 2003 debut album, Frank. However, it wasn't until 2006, when she released the album Back to Black that she got worldwide fame, winning five Grammy Awards.

Winehouse is survived by her parents and an older brother, Alex. Her father, Mitch, who released a jazz album of his own, was in New York when he heard the news of her death and immediately flew back.

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