Singer Sinead O'Connor's 17-year-old son found dead

Sinead O'Connor's 17-year-old son, Shane, was found dead in Ireland on Friday Jan 7, 2022, after the Irish singer-songwriter notified authorities that he had gone missing. Photo: AFP

Sinead O'Connor's 17-year-old son, Shane, was found dead in Ireland on Friday (Jan 7) after the Irish singer-songwriter notified authorities that he had gone missing.

Police said the missing person case was closed after a body was found in the eastern coastal town of Bray, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Dublin.

O'Connor posted on Twitter that her son, "the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God. May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby, I love you so much. Please be at peace”.

Earlier, the 55-year-old singer had appealed to her son on social media not to harm himself. She noted that he had been hospitalised following two suicide attempts.

Shane was one of O'Connor's four children. His father was Irish musician Donal Lunny.

O'Connor first became famous for her arresting 1990 cover of the Prince song Nothing Compares 2 U. She emerged from an abusive family in Ireland and has been candid about her own struggles with mental illness. – AP

Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre (0111-959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email [e-mail]).