DUBLIN, IRELAND: Sinead O’Connor, the Irish singer who rose to fame with her haunting rendition of Prince’s 'Nothing Compares 2 U', has died at the age of 56. Her death comes an over a year after she lost her son Shane who took his own life at the age of 17. Shane O’Connor was the youngest of O’Connor’s four children and the only one from her relationship with musician Donal Lunny.
He was reportedly a troubled teenager who struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse. He was admitted to Tallaght Hospital in Dublin on suicide watch in January 2022, but he managed to escape from the facility and went missing for two days.
How did Sinead O'Connor's son Shane die?
O’Connor posted a series of desperate messages on the Twitter account, pleading with Shane to come back and not harm himself. She also blamed the hospital for failing to keep him safe and threatened to sue them if anything happened to him. At the time she wrote, “How has a 17-year-old traumatized young person, who was on suicide watch, in Tallaght Hospital’s Lynn Ward been able to go missing???”
The Sun reported, she also addressed Shane directly, saying: “Shane, your life is precious. God didn’t chisel that beautiful smile on your beautiful face for nothing. My world would collapse without you. You are my heart. Please don’t stop it from beating. Please don’t harm yourself. Go to the Gardai and let’s get you to the hospital.” Sadly, Shane’s body was found in the Bray area of Wicklow on Friday, January 7, 2022. He had hanged himself in the woods near his home.
'The very light of my life decided to end his earthly struggle'
O’Connor confirmed his death on Twitter, saying: “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.” She added: “May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.” O’Connor was devastated by Shane’s death and said she had been living as an “undead night creature” since then. She said he was the only person who ever loved her unconditionally and that they were one soul in two halves. She also shared a photo of him on her last social media post, saying: “He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul," Daily Mail reported.
O'Connor's life was plagued by abuse
O'Connor's life was plagued by abuse, suffering, mental illness, and controversy. When she converted to Islam in 2018, she changed her name to Shuhada' Sadaqat, yet she was still popularly recognized as Sinead O'Connor. She had a devoted following who valued her forceful voice and outspokenness on a variety of subjects. She died in her home in Co Roscommon, Ireland, on Tuesday night, July 25. The reason for her death has not been revealed. She is survived by her three children, Jake, Roisin, and Yeshua. Her family said in a statement, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
