Singer Amy Winehouse dies

Body of British-Jewish star found in her London home; Winehouse known for substance abuse

News agencies|Last update: 07.23.11 , 21:50

Music world stunned: British singer Amy Winehouse, whose hit single "Rehab" became the anthem for troubled celebrity culture, has been found dead at her home in north London, Sky News reported on Saturday.

Winehouse's record label, Universal, later confirmed her death.

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"We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer," the statement read. "Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

Earlier in the evening, police said they had found the body of a 27-year-old woman at a flat in Camden Square, north London, after being called by ambulance services.

"Inquiries continue into the circumstances of the death at this early stage. It is being treated as unexplained," a police spokesman said.

Sad end - Amy Winehouse on stage (Photo: Reuters)

Police had cordoned off the leafy street outside Winehouse's home in Camden, where around 20 onlookers had already gathered along with media photographers and camera crew.

However, according to initial reports the singer apparently died of a drug overdose, two months before her 28th birthday.

History of substance abuse

Last month, Winehouse was booed and left stage during a show in Serbia, after taking the stage drugged, forgetting lyrics and barely able to stand. The embarrassing performance led to the cancelation of a Winehouse tour planned for this summer.

Known for substance abuse – Winehouse (Photo: AP)

Winehouse was born on Sept. 14, 1983, to a Jewish family with a history of jazz musicians. She was discovered by soul singer Tyler James at the age of 16 and in 2003 her debut album "Frank" was released, to general acclaim. Her second album "Back to Black" was released in October 2006 and reached the No. 1 spot.

Winehouse won Grammy awards and sold millions of albums worldwide, but also became known for her unstable personality, substance abuse and mental health issues. Her hit single "Rehab" contained the line: "They tried to make me go to rehab. I said 'no, no, no'".