George Michael’s Cause of Death and Estate Dispute

Few Christmas mornings deliver news as shocking as the one in 2016, when the world learned that George Michael had died. The pop icon passed away at his home in Oxfordshire, aged 53, launching years of legal battles and unanswered questions about his final moments.

Date of death: 25 December 2016 · Age at death: 53 · Cause of death: Dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver · Partner at time of death: Fadi Fawaz

Seven key facts about George Michael’s life and death give a clear foundation for the story that unfolded.

What was George Michael’s cause of death?

The official cause of death, ruled by a senior Oxfordshire coroner, was dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by myocarditis and fatty liver — a natural cause of death. A post-mortem examination confirmed that no alcohol or illegal drugs contributed (DW (German international broadcaster)). Police initially described the death as unexplained but not suspicious (ABC News (US broadcaster)).

The coroner stated that no inquest was necessary because the findings were clear (DW (German international broadcaster)). An earlier autopsy had not determined a cause, but the later post-mortem clarified the medical picture (6ABC (US news affiliate)).

Was George Michael LGBTQ?

George Michael came out as gay in 1998, after years of public speculation. In a landmark interview, he said he wanted “to be able to hold hands with someone I love” (CNN (US news outlet)). Before that, he had short‑term relationships with women, but his long‑term partners were all men.

Did George Michael ever have a female partner?

Yes, before coming out he dated a few women, including a brief relationship with actress Brooke Shields in the mid‑1980s. However, none of these lasted. His three serious relationships were with Anselmo Feleppa (1991–1993), Kenny Goss (1996–2009), and Fadi Fawaz (2012–2016).

The implication: Michael’s journey from closeted pop star to openly gay icon shaped much of his later music and public life, but his sexuality never directly caused his death.

Where was George Michael found when he died?

George Michael died in his bed at his home in Goring‑on‑Thames, Oxfordshire. His partner Fadi Fawaz discovered him on the morning of 25 December 2016 (CNN (US news outlet)).

Who found George Michael when he died?

Fadi Fawaz, his boyfriend at the time, found him. Fawaz later told reporters that Michael appeared to have died in his sleep (DW (German international broadcaster)).

What were George Michael’s last words?

Reports emerged that Michael’s last words were “I don’t want to die,” but this has never been officially confirmed. The coroner did not include any mention of last words in the medical report (ABC News (US broadcaster)).

What remains unclear: Whether Fadi Fawaz or anyone else was with Michael at the very moment of death. The coroner’s report only states he was found deceased in bed.

Why did Kenny Goss sue George Michael’s estate?

Kenny Goss, Michael’s partner from 1996 to 2009, filed a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, arguing that he had been financially dependent on Michael and was left nothing in the will (Thrings (UK law firm)). Reports said Goss sought monthly payments of £15,000 from the estate (Yahoo Sports (news aggregator)).

Michael’s estate was valued at around £97 million, and the bulk went to his sisters, father, and close friends — neither Kenny Goss nor Fadi Fawaz was included in the will (The Independent (UK newspaper)). In 2021, the estate’s trustees reached a financial settlement with Goss, ending the court battle (Yahoo Sports (news aggregator)).

Who was George Michael’s lover when he died?

Fadi Fawaz was Michael’s partner at the time of death. Fawaz, a Syrian‑born hairstylist, had been with Michael since 2012. Like Goss, he was also left out of the will (The Independent (UK newspaper)).

The trade‑off: Goss’s lawsuit succeeded where Fawaz did not pursue similar action, highlighting the legal complexity of dependency claims under UK inheritance law.

Did Andrew Ridgeley attend George Michael’s funeral?

Yes, Andrew Ridgeley — Michael’s Wham! bandmate — was one of the pallbearers and delivered a eulogy at the funeral on 29 March 2017 at Highgate Cemetery (The Independent (UK newspaper)). Other attendees included Elton John, Kate Moss, and Liam Gallagher.

Ridgeley reportedly described Michael as “the most brilliant and generous soul” (6ABC (US news affiliate)).

George Michael’s death was ruled natural, his estate worth £97 million was split among family, and his ex‑partner Kenny Goss secured a settlement after a four‑year legal fight. For anyone watching from outside the UK legal system, the implication is clear: British inheritance law can provide for former dependants even when they are omitted from a will — but only if they act in time. The rest of Michael’s story remains in the music he left behind.