Left bereft by their loss: Family's tribute to Amy Winehouse as fans create a shrine outside her flat

By JESSICA SATHERLEY

Grieving family: The Winehouse family said today 'Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece'

A day after their beloved daughter, sister and niece was found dead in her flat, Amy Winehouse’s grieving family have spoken out about their loss.

The Winehouse family said today: ‘Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece.

‘She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time.’

As the singer’s family cope with their grief, fans were paying tribute to the star by creating a shrine outside her North London flat in Camden.

From writing on footpaths saying ‘We love Amy’, to massive bunches of flowers lining the area outside her home, the tributes kept pouring in.


Camden tribute: Amy Winehouse's picture has been posted on a street sign for Camden Square near her London flat


Some friends and fans left bottles of alcohol, cigarettes and wine glasses at the scene, while others left photographs and portraits of Amy, who died at 27, next to candles in her memory.

A picture of the beehived soul-jazz singer was also stuck to an address sign in Camden Square near her home, in which she was found dead yesterday afternoon.

Many notes were also left, one reading 'Too fragile, too beautiful, too big a talent for this world', and another which said: 'To an exquisite singer with a beautiful voice'.


Fans' notes: Amy's grieving fans not only left her notes on paper but also wrote on the footpath to say they love her


Hundreds of mourners have visited the area of her flat and local pub to remember the star and fans also gathered at her favourite haunt The Hawley Arms in Camden last night after hearing the news.

Comedian and former drug addict Russell Brand today paid a lengthy written tribute to Amy Winehouse, saying addiction should be treated as a potentially fatal disease.

Brand met her on the Camden pub scene a number of years ago, and said at first he thought she was ‘just some twit in a pink satin jacket shuffling round bars’.

He said when he spoke to her she was ‘sweet and peculiar but most of all vulnerable’.
By chance Brand saw her perform with Paul Weller at the Roundhouse in Camden, north London, and had an epiphany.


Tributes: Friends and fans of the singer lay down bunches of flowers, notes and candles by a tree outside her flat



Never forgotten: Within the flowers and candles, a picture of Winehouse was left, saying RIP Never Forget


In the piece posted on his website he wrote: ‘Entering the space I saw Amy on stage with Weller and his band; and then the awe.

‘The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius. From her oddly dainty presence that voice, a voice that seemed not to come from her but from somewhere beyond even Billie and Ella, from the font of all greatness.

‘That twerp, all eyeliner and lager dithering up Chalk Farm Road under a back-combed barnet, the lips that I'd only seen clenching a fishwife fag and dribbling curses now a portal for this holy sound.’

Brand has given frank accounts of his battle to overcome drug addiction, and said loved ones will always fear getting a phone call with the worst news possible.


Amy's gifts: On top of the flowers and photographs, fans also left alcohol bottles and cigarettes for the party-loving singer


Today's news: A copy of a Sunday Tabloid was laid down


A day of mourning: Flowers were hung through a fence in Camden Square alongside bottles of alcohol and wine glasses


At the time he met Winehouse, he himself had not yet got clean, and he said: ‘Winehouse and I shared an affliction, the disease of addiction.’

In the piece Brand accused the media of being more interested in ‘tragedy than talent’, and therefore said they focused more on her personal battles than her musical career.

He went on: ‘Addiction is a serious disease; it will end with jail, mental institutions or death.

‘Now Amy Winehouse is dead, like many others whose unnecessary deaths have been retrospectively romanticised, at 27 years old.

‘Whether this tragedy was preventable or not is now irrelevant. It is not preventable today.’


Her favourite haunt: Her name was written on a Diverted Traffic sign outside her local pub The Hawley Arms in Camden


‘We have lost a beautiful and talented woman to this disease. Not all addicts have Amy's incredible talent.

‘Or Kurt's (Cobain) or Jimi's (Hendrix) or Janis's (Joplin), some people just get the affliction. All we can do is adapt the way we view this condition, not as a crime or a romantic affectation but as a disease that will kill.’

Amy's management Metropolis Music also released a statement today saying: 'We are trying to come to terms with the death of a dear friend and colleague, the most amazing artist and talent.

'We will always remember Amy as a vibrant, funny, caring young woman who made everyone around her feel welcome. We have lost a very special person, part of our family.'


Mourning fans: A grieving fan wearing an Amy Winehouse printed T-shirt sheds a tear outside her home in front of cameras


Leaving notes: Youngsters gather around the area of flowers to leave their personalised messages to the late singer


While the owner of her favourite pub The Hawley Arms said: ‘She was a special person with a good soul and this should not have happened. We will sorely miss her.’

Speaking on Friday night just hours before her death, Tony Bennett who had recently had a recording session with Amy, praised her talent.

While being interviewed on Radio 4’s Front Row programme, he said: ‘Amy was beautiful, she was something that I respect an awful lot, she was quite nervous. I met Sinatra and he was nervous too.

‘What I like about her is that she’s truly a good jazz singer, she’s not making believe it, she’s singing completely original and inventive. And I don’t know another young artist that does that.’


Tragic loss: Amy's on/off boyfriend Reg Traviss seen outside her house yesterday after her body was found and heartbroken friend of Amy's Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace also outside her home


Close knit family: Amy with her father Mitch as they awaited the news of her Grammy Award in London in 200


The 27-year-old star, who had fought a long and well-publicised battle with drink and drug addiction, was pronounced dead after police were called to her £2.5 million three-storey home in North London.

Scotland Yard have said a post-mortem examination won’t take place before tomorrow and they cannot yet confirm the exact cause of death until the results are received.
But it has been claimed that she was seen buying drugs from a dealer in Camden just after 10:30pm on Friday night.

A source told The People that she was seen buying substances, believed to be cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and ketamine leading up to the hours before her death.


nconsolable: Amy Winehouse, who died yesterday, was said to be distraught about her split from film director Reg Traviss



Camden home: Amy's flat in North London, where her body was found yesterday afternoon by police


source: dailymail

Sordid final hours of a troubled star: Amy Winehouse had 'bought ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine' on the night before tragic death

By Lara Gould, Sarah Bull and Jessica Satherley


-Troubled singer had a long battle with drink and drugs
-Devastated after split from director Traviss last month
-Father Mitch flies home from New York 'to be with Amy'
-Autopsy could take place 'within next 24 hours'
-Claims she bought cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and ketamine in the hours leading up to her death


Tragic death: Amy Winehouse was found dead in her flat yesterday

The sordid details of Amy Winehouse's final hours emerged today, with claims that she bought a cocktail of narcotics including cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

Although the exact cause of death has not yet been released by police, Sunday tabloids have claimed she was seen buying drugs from a dealer in Camden just after 10:30pm on Friday.

A source told The People that she was seen buying substances, believed to be cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and ketamine leading up to the hours before her death.

She is also thought to have been drinking heavily, which may have been the trigger of a lethal concoction of drugs and alcohol.

The source told the newspaper: 'Amy seemed determined to have a big one on Friday night.

'She was out in Camden on Friday evening, but seemed determined to carry on the party back at her flat.

'None of us know who was with her into the early hours of Saturday. But getting out of it was clearly her main priority of the night.'

Another source from one Camden pub told the tabloid that they had also seen Amy buying cocaine from a well known dealer in the area.

Meanwhile, friends of the star told the Sunday Mirror that they believe she died from a 'bad' ecstasy pill mixed with a large amount of alcohol.

Winehouse also suffered from emphysema, which is a disease of the lungs that causes shortness of breath.

One friend told the newspaper: 'It was an ecstasy overdose. She could do cocaine until the cows come home. But this was obviously a dodgy pill.'

A post-mortem is being carried out today to reveal the exact cause of death.

But the troubled singer was found dead yesterday - of a suspected drug overdose at her London home.

The 27-year-old star, who had fought a long and well-publicised battle with drink and drug addiction, was pronounced dead after police were called to her £2.5 million three-storey home in North London.

After word spread of her tragic death, fans and her friends paid tribute to the singer by creating a shrine outside her home.

Pictures of Amy, alcohol, cigarettes, a guitar, flowers, candles and letters were laid outside her North London flat in her memory.

Never forgotten: A fan lays another bunch of flowers down in front of Amy's flat in Camden, alongside a picture of her with a note saying RIP Never Forgotten

London. Flowers and Tributes are left outside Amy Winehouse's home this morning after the singer died yesterday of a suspected drug overdose. 24/07/2011 Stephanie Schaerer 00447878466804


Pieces of artwork had also been laid down, including a striking photo of Winehouse posing in a bar, and a picture by artist Mysterious Al, showing Winehouse's face with monochrome cartoon eyes and a white streak in her trademark beehive hair.

Many notes were also left, one reading 'Too fragile, too beautiful, too big a talent for this world', and another which said: 'To an exquisite singer with a beautiful voice'.

Fans of the singer also gathered at her favourite haunt The Hawley Arms in Camden last night after hearing the news.

Amy had been photographed numerous times pouring pints to customers at the pub and candles were lit there as a tribute to the star.

The pub’s owner told the Independent on Sunday: ‘She was a special person with a good soul and this should not have happened. We will sorely miss her.’

While Amy's management Metropolis Music released a statement today saying: 'We are trying to come to terms with the death of a dear friend and colleague, the most amazing artist and talent.

'We will always remember Amy as a vibrant, funny, caring young woman who made everyone around her feel welcome. We have lost a very special person, part of our family.'

Camden tribute: Flowers were hung through a fence in Camden Square alongside bottles of alcohol and wine glasses

Artwork: A picture by artist Mysterious Al, showing Winehouse's face with monochrome cartoon eyes and a white streak in her trademark beehive hair was left with candles


Neighbour John Lea, 30, said he had last seen her around two weeks ago, looking 'normal'.

He said: 'I'd see her occasionally, wandering around. She didn't go out much really.

I didn't hear the noises on Friday night, although I was in. I didn't realise anything had happened until the ambulances and police turned up, and I saw two women outside who were very, very upset.'

Another neighbour and fan, who did not want to be named, said she had seen her near the Hawley Arms pub around six months ago looking 'happy and healthy'.

She said: 'It's sad to hear she's passed away. People just saw her as part of the community here, especially young people. It's nice to see that they have come here (to the singer's home).'

Her untimely death follows a long list of musicians who have all died at the age of 27, known as the 27 Club. They include rock legends Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Rolling Stone Brian Jones.

Amy was said to be devastated and ‘inconsolable’ after being dumped by her on-off boyfriend Reg Traviss, 34, just before she checked herself into The Priory rehabilitation clinic last month.

Traviss, who had previously turned down a marriage proposal from the star, was desperate to help Amy turn her life around, say friends, but when he realised she could not beat her demons he ended the relationship.

Last night, as Winehouse's body was taken to a local mortuary, her heartbroken mother Janis admitted she believed her daughter's death had been 'only a matter of time' when they met just 24 hours before she died.

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

Young fans: Two young girls are photographed by journalists leaving a tribute for Amy Winehouse outside her flat


In loving memory: Pictures of Amy, a guitar, flowers, candles and letters were laid outside her North London flat as a tribute to the star


Instead, she said, she preferred clinging for comfort to Amy's own parting words at the end of an enjoyable day they had spent together on Friday.

As mother and daughter kissed on the doorstep Amy told her, 'I love you, Mum'.

'They are the words I will always treasure and always remember Amy by', she said.

Last night Amy’s father Mitch - who had predicted she would die if she failed to quit drink and drugs - said he was devastated but has vowed ‘not to crack up for Amy’s sake’.

The cabbie-turned-singer was on a jazz tour in New York when he heard the news. He said: ‘I’m coming home. I have to be with Amy. I can’t crack up for her sake. My family need me.’

Amy had recently completed her third album but the release date was delayed by Island Records when she went into rehab.

She bought her five-bedroom Camden home in 2009 but only moved in this May after spending £200,000 installing a recording studio and gym.

As the investigation to establish the cause of her death began, three people were seen outside the house, which is in one of London’s most expensive streets. They were Mr Traviss, her bodyguard – known only as Neville – and former Big Brother contestant Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, 32, a long time friend of the singer, who looked distraught.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘Inquiries continue into the circumstances of the death, which at this stage is being treated as unexplained. We do have people we’re speaking to but nobody has been arrested.’

A source said: ‘A number of people were helping police with their inquiries but we are still trying to establish who was with her when she died. It’s fair to say these people are central to police enquiries in piecing together what happened before she died.’

Another police source said that the death was being treated as ‘drink and drugs-related’. A post-mortem is expected to be carried out tomorrow.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a press conference yesterday evening that no cause of death had yet been confirmed.

Broken: Winehouse's close friend Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace was seen struggling to control her emotions as she learned of the singer's passing

Upset: The former Big Brother contestant kneels on the floor as she cries over the loss of her friend


He said: 'I am aware of reports of a suspected drugs overdose, but I would like to re-emphasise that no post-mortem has yet taken place and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death.

'The death of any person is a sad time of friends and family especially for someone known nationally and internationally like Amy Winehouse. My sympathy extends not only to her family but also to her millions of fans across the world.'

A statement from Winehouse's U.S. record label read: '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.'

And a spokesman for the late singer said: 'Everyone involved with Amy is shocked and devastated. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The family will issue a statement when ready.'

The scene: Amy was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon after emergency services arrived at her house in north London

Tragic: Winehouse's body is seen being removed from her home

Drama: Members of the press and local residents watch as Winehouse's body is taken to the van

A section of the road where the singer lived remained cordoned off last night. Journalists, local residents and fans gathered at the police tapes, while forensic officers were seen going in and out of the building.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said she saw the grief-stricken Traviss, on the ground outside the house.

Amy became a household name in 2006 after the multi-million sales of her five-time Grammy Award-winning album Back To Black, which chronicled her troubled love affair with her former husband Blake Fielder-Civil.

The pair married in Miami in May 2007 but divorced two years later after they both battled drink and drug addictions.

It is also alleged former music video producer Fielder-Civil was the one who introduced the Back to Black star to heroin and crack cocaine.

Amy's father Mitch previously spoke out about how his daughter stayed away from drugs prior to meeting her ex-husband.

In an interview last year he said: 'He's not entirely responsible, she's got to take a portion of the responsibility, but it's clear, it really kicked off when they got together.'

Despite her personal problems the star amassed a £10 million fortune and her album, with hits including Rehab, also helped her find success in America. But she struggled to deal with her success.

On Thursday, she made a surprise return to performing at the Roundhouse in Camden, North London, supporting her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield in an iTunes Festival concert. But fan Simon Grabiner, 19, said she came on stage and ‘stumbled around’ as if she was drunk or under the influence of drugs.

Mr Grabiner, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, said: ‘Everyone cheered as they saw her come on, and everyone thought she was going to perform. But she just walked around the stage as if she was drunk or something.

Inconsolable: Amy Winehouse, who died yesterday, was said to be distraught about her split from film director Reg Traviss

Last public appearance: Amy joined goddaughter Dionne Bromfield on stage during the iTunes festival on Wednesday night

Healthy: Amy was spotted out in London looking healthier earlier this month


‘Her legs seemed to turn to jelly. She gave Dionne a hug, and told everyone to buy her album. Then she just walked off.’

It followed a shambolic performance in Belgrade, Serbia, last month where Amy was booed off stage which led to the cancellation of her European tour.

Yesterday morning a message on her official website said she would be withdrawing from all forthcoming performances.

It read: ‘Amy Winehouse is withdrawing from all scheduled performances. 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 for this to happen.’

Last night Sir Elton John called her ‘a seminal artist’, adding: ‘She was one of the greatest artists this country has ever produced.’

Mail on Sunday columnist and CNN presenter Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: ‘Such desperately sad news. Supreme natural talent, terrible self-destructive addictive personality.’

Lily Allen tweeted: ‘It’s just beyond sad, there’s nothing else to say. She was such a lost soul, may she rest in peace.’

Singer and actress Kelly Osbourne wrote: ‘I can’t even breath right now I’m crying so hard I just lost one of my best friends. I love you for ever Amy and will never forget the real you!’

TV presenter Peaches Geldof, the television presenter simply wrote ‘RIP Amy Winehouse’. Emma Bunton said: ‘Such sad news about Amy Winehouse. My thoughts are with her family.’

Sarah Brown, the wife of the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote: ‘Sad sad news of Amy Winehouse. Great talent, extraordinary voice and tragic death. Condolences to her family.’

Rest in peace: A signed guitar and a picture of Amy are among items left outside her house

Mourning: Floral tributes are left outside Amy's house as news breaks of her death

Heartfelt: One note from a local resident states how much the singer will be missed in her local community


Sally Bercow, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Commons wrote: ‘Proper upset by Amy Winehouse death. Such a talent lost.’

Radio DJ Fearne Cotton said: ‘Amy was a special girl. The saddest news.’

And referring to the age at which Amy had died, singer Billy Bragg ent a tweet saying: 'It's not the age that Hendrix, Jones, Joplin, Cobain and Amy have in common - it's drug abuse, sadly #27club.'

Singer and presenter Myleene Klass wrote: ‘OMG. Amy Winehouse. Exceptional talent and really nice lady. RIP.’

Family: Amy with her father Mitch, to whom she was incredibly close, and her mother Janis

Shambolic: Amy was booed off stage during a shambolic performance in Belgrade in June


Sara Cox tweeted: ‘Oh no. Was hoping it wasn’t true. RIP Amy. Just such a massive waste. Our thoughts are with her family.’

Winehouse had been working on her long-awaited new album, the follow-up to her 2006 breakthrough multi-million selling Back To Black, for the past three years.

The singer was born Amy Jade Winehouse on 14th September 1983 in Southgate, London.
Winehouse has had a troubled life which has included various stints in rehab for drug and alcohol addiction.

The singer is thought to have been to rehab four times.

In an interview in 2008, her mother Janis said she would be unsurprised if her daughter died before her time.

She said: 'I've known for a long time that my daughter has problems.

'But seeing it on screen rammed it home. I realise 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.

'I look at Heath Ledger and Britney. She's on their path. It's like watching a car crash - this person throwing all these gifts away.'

In addition, there was a website set up called When Will Amy Winehouse Die?, with visitors asked to guess the date of death with the chance of winning an iPod Touch.

In an interview last October with Harper's Bazaar magazine, Amy was asked if she was happy.

She replied: 'I don't know what you mean. I've got a very nice boyfriend. He's very good to me.'

And, asked if she had any unfulfilled ambitions, Winehouse replied: 'Nope! If I died tomorrow, I would be a happy girl.'

It had seemed director Traviss had helped Winehouse turn her life around. And father Mitch also gave the new man his seal of approval.

Former love: Amy with her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil

Troubled: Amy battled drink and drug addictions during her short life


In an interview with STV's The Hour programme, he said: 'I'm happy she's got a new boyfriend. I'm happy that she's moving on with her life.'

He said Traviss was a 'very nice, normal bloke'. The pair split in January this year but quickly rekindled their relationship.

In March, Traviss said: 'We've been together nearly a year now and we're very happy. Amy's doing well, she's fine. She's healthy and happy.'

Weight worries: Amy also caused concern with her shrinking frame, and looked gaunt back in 2008 (right)

Winehouse had a hugely successful musical career with the release of her debut album Frank in 2003, and the record considered her breakthrough album - Back To Black in 2006.

The singer featured on the Sunday Times Rich List earlier this year with an estimated net worth of around £6million.

During her career, Winehouse won awards including five Grammy Awards, a Q Music Award for Best Album for Back To Black and a World Music Award in 2008 for World's Best Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist.

AMY WINEHOUSE - THE LATEST MEMBER OF THE '27 CLUB'

The singer's tragic death at the age of 27 puts her in a pantheon of famous musicians who have all died at the same age.

The 27 Club consists of some of the brightest musical talents the world has known but whose lives were cut short at the age of 27.

Club members: Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison are among those who died at the age of 27


They also include Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, charismatic Doors star Jim Morrison and guitar genius Jimi Hendrix, founding member of the Rolling Stones Brian Jones, singer Janis Joplin, Hole bassist Kristen Pfaff, American blues singer Robert Johnson and Manic Street Preachers guitarist Richey Edwards, who vanished in 1995 and was presumed dead at the age of 27.

The causes of death vary with each of them, with drug overdoses, suicides and murder depriving the world of some of its finest musical talents.

The one thing they have in common is how death at a young age has resulted in their memory being romanticised to the extent they have become even more famous in death than in their lifetime.

Success: Amy performed via video link at the Grammy Awards in 2008 after winning five awards










source:dailymail

Sordid final hours of a troubled star: Amy Winehouse had 'bought ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine' on the night before tragic death

By Lara Gould, Sarah Bull and Jessica Satherley


-Troubled singer had a long battle with drink and drugs
-Devastated after split from director Traviss last month
-Father Mitch flies home from New York 'to be with Amy'
-Autopsy could take place 'within next 24 hours'
-Claims she bought cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and ketamine in the hours leading up to her death

Inconsolable: Amy Winehouse, who died yesterday, was said to be distraught about her split from film director Reg Traviss


The sordid details of Amy Winehouse's final hours emerged today, with claims that she bought a cocktail of narcotics including cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

Although the exact cause of death has not yet been released by police, Sunday tabloids have claimed she was seen buying drugs from a dealer in Camden just after 10:30pm on Friday.

A source told The People that she was seen buying substances, believed to be cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and ketamine leading up to the hours before her death.

She is also thought to have been drinking heavily, which may have been the trigger of a lethal concoction of drugs and alcohol.

Distraught: Traviss seen outside the late singer's house yesterday

The source told the newspaper: 'Amy seemed determined to have a big one on Friday night.


'She was out in Camden on Friday evening, but seemed determined to carry on the party back at her flat.

'None of us know who was with her into the early hours of Saturday. But getting out of it was clearly her main priority of the night.'

Another source from one Camden pub told the tabloid that they had also seen Amy buying cocaine from a well known dealer in the area.

Meanwhile, friends of the star told the Sunday Mirror that they believe she died from a 'bad' ecstasy pill mixed with a large amount of alcohol.

Winehouse also suffered from emphysema, which is a disease of the lungs that causes shortness of breath.

One friend told the newspaper: 'It was an ecstasy overdose. She could do cocaine until the cows come home. But this was obviously a dodgy pill.'

A post-mortem is being carried out today to reveal the exact cause of death.

But the troubled singer was found dead yesterday - of a suspected drug overdose at her London home.

The 27-year-old star, who had fought a long and well-publicised battle with drink and drug addiction, was pronounced dead after police were called to her £2.5 million three-storey home in North London.

After word spread of her tragic death, fans and her friends paid tribute to the singer by creating a shrine outside her home.

Pictures of Amy, alcohol, cigarettes, a guitar, flowers, candles and letters were laid outside her North London flat in her memory.

Pieces of artwork had also been laid down, including a striking photo of Winehouse posing in a bar, and a picture by artist Mysterious Al, showing Winehouse's face with monochrome cartoon eyes and a white streak in her trademark beehive hair.

Many notes were also left, one reading 'Too fragile, too beautiful, too big a talent for this world', and another which said: 'To an exquisite singer with a beautiful voice'.

Fans of the singer also gathered at her favourite haunt The Hawley Arms in Camden last night after hearing the news.

Amy had been photographed numerous times pouring pints to customers at the pub and candles were lit there as a tribute to the star.

The pub’s owner told the Independent on Sunday: ‘She was a special person with a good soul and this should not have happened. We will sorely miss her.’

In loving memory: Pictures of Amy, a guitar, flowers, candles and letters were laid outside her North London flat as a tribute to the star


While Amy's management Metropolis Music released a statement today saying: 'We are trying to come to terms with the death of a dear friend and colleague, the most amazing artist and talent.

'We will always remember Amy as a vibrant, funny, caring young woman who made everyone around her feel welcome. We have lost a very special person, part of our family.'

Neighbour John Lea, 30, said he had last seen her around two weeks ago, looking 'normal'.

He said: 'I'd see her occasionally, wandering around. She didn't go out much really.

I didn't hear the noises on Friday night, although I was in. I didn't realise anything had happened until the ambulances and police turned up, and I saw two women outside who were very, very upset.'

Another neighbour and fan, who did not want to be named, said she had seen her near the Hawley Arms pub around six months ago looking 'happy and healthy'.

She said: 'It's sad to hear she's passed away. People just saw her as part of the community here, especially young people. It's nice to see that they have come here (to the singer's home).'

Her untimely death follows a long list of musicians who have all died at the age of 27, known as the 27 Club. They include rock legends Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Rolling Stone Brian Jones.

Amy was said to be devastated and ‘inconsolable’ after being dumped by her on-off boyfriend Reg Traviss, 34, just before she checked herself into The Priory rehabilitation clinic last month.

Traviss, who had previously turned down a marriage proposal from the star, was desperate to help Amy turn her life around, say friends, but when he realised she could not beat her demons he ended the relationship.

Last night, as Winehouse's body was taken to a local mortuary, her heartbroken mother Janis admitted she believed her daughter's death had been 'only a matter of time' when they met just 24 hours before she died.

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

Instead, she said, she preferred clinging for comfort to Amy's own parting words at the end of an enjoyable day they had spent together on Friday.

As mother and daughter kissed on the doorstep Amy told her, 'I love you, Mum'.
'They are the words I will always treasure and always remember Amy by', she said.

Last night Amy’s father Mitch - who had predicted she would die if she failed to quit drink and drugs - said he was devastated but has vowed ‘not to crack up for Amy’s sake’.

The cabbie-turned-singer was on a jazz tour in New York when he heard the news. He said: ‘I’m coming home. I have to be with Amy. I can’t crack up for her sake. My family need me.’

Amy had recently completed her third album but the release date was delayed by Island Records when she went into rehab.

She bought her five-bedroom Camden home in 2009 but only moved in this May after spending £200,000 installing a recording studio and gym.

As the investigation to establish the cause of her death began, three people were seen outside the house, which is in one of London’s most expensive streets. They were Mr Traviss, her bodyguard – known only as Neville – and former Big Brother contestant Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, 32, a long time friend of the singer, who looked distraught.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘Inquiries continue into the circumstances of the death, which at this stage is being treated as unexplained. We do have people we’re speaking to but nobody has been arrested.’

A source said: ‘A number of people were helping police with their inquiries but we are still trying to establish who was with her when she died. It’s fair to say these people are central to police enquiries in piecing together what happened before she died.’

Another police source said that the death was being treated as ‘drink and drugs-related’. A post-mortem is expected to be carried out tomorrow.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a press conference yesterday evening that no cause of death had yet been confirmed.

Broken: Winehouse's close friend Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace was seen struggling to control her emotions as she learned of the singer's passing

Upset: The former Big Brother contestant kneels on the floor as she cries over the loss of her friend


He said: 'I am aware of reports of a suspected drugs overdose, but I would like to re-emphasise that no post-mortem has yet taken place and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death.

'The death of any person is a sad time of friends and family especially for someone known nationally and internationally like Amy Winehouse. My sympathy extends not only to her family but also to her millions of fans across the world.'

A statement from Winehouse's U.S. record label read: '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.'

And a spokesman for the late singer said: 'Everyone involved with Amy is shocked and devastated. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The family will issue a statement when ready.'

The scene: Amy was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon after emergency services arrived at her house in north London

Tragic: Winehouse's body is seen being removed from her home

Drama: Members of the press and local residents watch as Winehouse's body is taken to the van

A section of the road where the singer lived remained cordoned off last night. Journalists, local residents and fans gathered at the police tapes, while forensic officers were seen going in and out of the building.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said she saw the grief-stricken Traviss, on the ground outside the house.

Amy became a household name in 2006 after the multi-million sales of her five-time Grammy Award-winning album Back To Black, which chronicled her troubled love affair with her former husband Blake Fielder-Civil.

The pair married in Miami in May 2007 but divorced two years later after they both battled drink and drug addictions.

It is also alleged former music video producer Fielder-Civil was the one who introduced the Back to Black star to heroin and crack cocaine.

Amy's father Mitch previously spoke out about how his daughter stayed away from drugs prior to meeting her ex-husband.

In an interview last year he said: 'He's not entirely responsible, she's got to take a portion of the responsibility, but it's clear, it really kicked off when they got together.'

Despite her personal problems the star amassed a £10 million fortune and her album, with hits including Rehab, also helped her find success in America. But she struggled to deal with her success.

On Thursday, she made a surprise return to performing at the Roundhouse in Camden, North London, supporting her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield in an iTunes Festival concert. But fan Simon Grabiner, 19, said she came on stage and ‘stumbled around’ as if she was drunk or under the influence of drugs.

Mr Grabiner, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, said: ‘Everyone cheered as they saw her come on, and everyone thought she was going to perform. But she just walked around the stage as if she was drunk or something.

Last public appearance: Amy joined goddaughter Dionne Bromfield on stage during the iTunes festival on Wednesday night

Healthy: Amy was spotted out in London looking healthier earlier this month


‘Her legs seemed to turn to jelly. She gave Dionne a hug, and told everyone to buy her album. Then she just walked off.’

It followed a shambolic performance in Belgrade, Serbia, last month where Amy was booed off stage which led to the cancellation of her European tour.

Yesterday morning a message on her official website said she would be withdrawing from all forthcoming performances.

It read: ‘Amy Winehouse is withdrawing from all scheduled performances. 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 for this to happen.’

Last night Sir Elton John called her ‘a seminal artist’, adding: ‘She was one of the greatest artists this country has ever produced.’

Mail on Sunday columnist and CNN presenter Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: ‘Such desperately sad news. Supreme natural talent, terrible self-destructive addictive personality.’

Lily Allen tweeted: ‘It’s just beyond sad, there’s nothing else to say. She was such a lost soul, may she rest in peace.’

Singer and actress Kelly Osbourne wrote: ‘I can’t even breath right now I’m crying so hard I just lost one of my best friends. I love you for ever Amy and will never forget the real you!’

TV presenter Peaches Geldof, the television presenter simply wrote ‘RIP Amy Winehouse’. Emma Bunton said: ‘Such sad news about Amy Winehouse. My thoughts are with her family.’

Sarah Brown, the wife of the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote: ‘Sad sad news of Amy Winehouse. Great talent, extraordinary voice and tragic death. Condolences to her family.’

Rest in peace: A signed guitar and a picture of Amy are among items left outside her house

Mourning: Floral tributes are left outside Amy's house as news breaks of her death

Heartfelt: One note from a local resident states how much the singer will be missed in her local community


Sally Bercow, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Commons wrote: ‘Proper upset by Amy Winehouse death. Such a talent lost.’

Radio DJ Fearne Cotton said: ‘Amy was a special girl. The saddest news.’

And referring to the age at which Amy had died, singer Billy Bragg ent a tweet saying: 'It's not the age that Hendrix, Jones, Joplin, Cobain and Amy have in common - it's drug abuse, sadly #27club.'

Singer and presenter Myleene Klass wrote: ‘OMG. Amy Winehouse. Exceptional talent and really nice lady. RIP.’

Family: Amy with her father Mitch, to whom she was incredibly close, and her mother Janis

Shambolic: Amy was booed off stage during a shambolic performance in Belgrade in June


Sara Cox tweeted: ‘Oh no. Was hoping it wasn’t true. RIP Amy. Just such a massive waste. Our thoughts are with her family.’

Winehouse had been working on her long-awaited new album, the follow-up to her 2006 breakthrough multi-million selling Back To Black, for the past three years.

The singer was born Amy Jade Winehouse on 14th September 1983 in Southgate, London.

Winehouse has had a troubled life which has included various stints in rehab for drug and alcohol addiction.

The singer is thought to have been to rehab four times.

In an interview in 2008, her mother Janis said she would be unsurprised if her daughter died before her time.

She said: 'I've known for a long time that my daughter has problems.

'But seeing it on screen rammed it home. I realise 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.

'I look at Heath Ledger and Britney. She's on their path. It's like watching a car crash - this person throwing all these gifts away.'

In addition, there was a website set up called When Will Amy Winehouse Die?, with visitors asked to guess the date of death with the chance of winning an iPod Touch.

In an interview last October with Harper's Bazaar magazine, Amy was asked if she was happy.

She replied: 'I don't know what you mean. I've got a very nice boyfriend. He's very good to me.'

And, asked if she had any unfulfilled ambitions, Winehouse replied: 'Nope! If I died tomorrow, I would be a happy girl.'

It had seemed director Traviss had helped Winehouse turn her life around. And father Mitch also gave the new man his seal of approval.

Former love: Amy with her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil

Troubled: Amy battled drink and drug addictions during her short life


In an interview with STV's The Hour programme, he said: 'I'm happy she's got a new boyfriend. I'm happy that she's moving on with her life.'

He said Traviss was a 'very nice, normal bloke'. The pair split in January this year but quickly rekindled their relationship.

In March, Traviss said: 'We've been together nearly a year now and we're very happy. Amy's doing well, she's fine. She's healthy and happy.'

Weight worries: Amy also caused concern with her shrinking frame, and looked gaunt back in 2008 (right)


Winehouse had a hugely successful musical career with the release of her debut album Frank in 2003, and the record considered her breakthrough album - Back To Black in 2006.

The singer featured on the Sunday Times Rich List earlier this year with an estimated net worth of around £6million.

During her career, Winehouse won awards including five Grammy Awards, a Q Music Award for Best Album for Back To Black and a World Music Award in 2008 for World's Best Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist.


Success: Amy performed via video link at the Grammy Awards in 2008 after winning five awards


source:dailymail