A Coroner Has Determined the Cause of George Michael’s Death

According to a report from NBC, British coroner Darren Salter has determined that George Michael died of natural causes. The singer, 53, passed away on December 25th, 2016. At the time, the death was said to be unexplained but not suspicious.

Shortly after his death, there were rumors that the singer had been suicidal. In a statement Salter said “[Inquiries] into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final post mortem report received. As there is a confirmed natural cause of death, being Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Myocarditis and Fatty Liver.”

In layman’s terms, Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, where the left ventricle becomes stretched, affecting how blood is able to be pumped throughout the body. This is often an inherited condition, but can be brought on by high blood pressure.

Myocarditis is an inflammation in or around the heart, often caused by an infection. This condition is very hard to diagnose as it can often be present without symptoms exhibiting themselves.

Fatty liver disease is attributed to those who are overweight or obese. While this condition alone is of littler threat, it can increase the risk of heart attack and compound other heart-related problems.

The coroner’s final say in the matter of Michael’s death was that “the investigation is being discontinued and there is no need for an inquest or any further [inquiries].”

[featured image via Slavko Sereda / Shutterstock]

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