The inquest into singer Amy Winehouse’s death at her flat in London at the weekend was opened and adjourned this afternoon but no cause of death was given.
Sharon Duff, coroner’s officer at St Pancras Coroner’s Court, told the two-minute hearing: “I bring before you the death of Amy Jade Winehouse, aged 27, born on the 14 September 1983 in London.
“She was a divorced lady living at Camden Square, NW1.
“She was certified dead at her home by a paramedic and a doctor on July 23. She was a singer songwriter at the time of her death and was identified by her family here at St Pancras this morning."
“A section 20 postmortem has been carried out and histology and toxicology taken to determine the cause of death. The scene was investigated by police and determined non-suspicious.”
Assistant deputy coroner Suzanne Greenaway said: “I’m formally opening this inquest. I’m issuing interim certificates to allow Miss Winehouse’s family to make arrangements for the funeral.”
The coroner adjourned the case for a hearing on October 26th.
Her family released a statement today expressing their grief at the loss of the singer, who was found dead in her north London home on Saturday afternoon.
“Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece," it said. “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.”
A spokesman for the family said the funeral would be held as soon as possible, but that the postmortem and police investigation made it impossible to set a date and no details had yet been agreed. He added that one of Winehouse’s security team had found her and called an ambulance, but she could not be saved.
The late singer's father said today he was “devastated and speechless” over her death. Mitch Winehouse made the comments as he arrived outside the house in Camden where his daughter was found dead. "Thank you for coming," he told fans. "It means so much to me and my family."
He was joined by her mother, Janis, to look at tributes left at the edge of police cordons around the house, including alcoholic drinks and cigarettes, alongside soft toys, flowers and candles. 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”.
Winehouse battled drink and drug problems throughout her career and news of her death was quickly followed by suggestions that it could be related to one or the other.
The troubled Back To Black artist had cancelled all tour dates and engagements last month after a series of erratic public appearances. She was booed at a shambolic performance in Serbia.
As well as flocking to her home, fans also paid tribute at the Hawley Arms pub in Camden, once a favourite haunt of the pop star.
The pub said in a statement: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Amy’s death. Apart from her extraordinary musical talent, she was a special person with a good soul and this should not have happened.
“We feel privileged to have known her and we will sorely miss her.”
Metropolis Music, Winehouse’s management company, released a statement 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.”
PA