AMY WINEHOUSE FOUND DEAD IN CAMDEN TOWN FLAT

Saturday July 23, 2011

By ALLAN LEDWARD and RICHARD OSLEY

Amy Winehouse has been found dead at her Camden Town flat this afternoon. The 27-year-old singer, who struggled with drink and drug addiction throughout a career that brought her worldwide acclaim, was discovered at her Camden Square home by emergency services shortly before 4pm on Saturday afternoon.

Part of the road where she lived was cordoned off by police as a large number of young fans began gathering outside to pay tribute.

She won Grammy, Mercury Prize, Brit and Ivor Novello awards for her million-selling 2006 breakthrough album, Back To Black, which included hits such as Rehab and Tears Dry On Their Own.

But she was jeered off stage, apparently too drunk to perform, during her most recent live performance in Belgrade in June, which led to the cancellation of a number of other European dates.

Ms Winehouse had made a surprise appearance at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm on Wednesday night to support her goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield.

In a statement, Ms Winehouse's record label, Universal, said they were "deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer", adding: "Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

Police are treating the death as "unexplained".

Camden police superintendent Raj Kohli said: "On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed, and I can confirm that the deceased is Amy Winehouse. Inquiries continue as to the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained. There have been no arrests in connection with this incident. I am aware of reports suggesting that the death was a result of a suspected drugs overdose, but I would like to re-emphasise that no post-mortem examination has yet taken place and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death."

Supt Kohli added: "I would urge media to avoid speculation that might cause further distress to Ms Winehouse's family at this difficult time. The death of any person is a sad time for friends and family - in particular someone like Amy Winehouse, very well-known nationally and internationally. My sympathy extends not just to her immediate family but to her thousands, millions of fans across the world."
Councillor Jonathan Simpson, the former Mayor who holds the post of Camden 'music czar', a job aimed at promoting and protecting live music venues, said: “It is truly tragic news. Only last year when we met she was talking about how excited she was about new material she was doing and what was ahead of her. She seemed to be putting her problems behind her."

He added: "I was introduced to her at the Roundhouse and we chatted there - she couldn't believe I was the Mayor of Camden. You would see her in Camden Town, she was always friendly, always ready for a chat. She was a truly beautiful talented girl. A day doesn’t go by when tourists don’t stop you in Camden High Street and ask the way to the Hawley Arms pub because of Amy. She had become another part of Camden’s musical history.”

Laura Murray, from Kentish Town, said: "I remember always seeing Amy Winehouse at the pic'n'mix stand in Camden Sainsburys looking tiny and childlike stuffing her face with sweeties. I remember her drinking at The Good Mixer and I witnessed her infamous tantrum outside Bar Tok. She was Camden through and through. May she always be remembered for her beautiful music, stunning voice and the epitomy of Camden's music scene."

Send your tributes for publication to rosley@camdennewjournal.co.uk