George Michael died on Christmas Day of 2016. Following his death came a wave of confusion, mystery, suspicion, and sadness from his family, friends, and fans.
It has been six years since his death, and while officials have ruled the singer died because of natural causes, many still suspect that his death is more tragic and suspicious than they say.
However, his good friend and fellow "Wham!" member see it differently; Andrew Ridgeley did not want to dwell on Michael's death, but on his life.
George Michael's Destiny
"Yog was a great believer in destiny," Ridgeley said. "I think the only thing destined for him was his artistic destiny and that developed in our youth. It was pure luck that delivered him to me at the age of 12.
"It was fortuitous for us both, but I don't feel it was destiny. It was pure chance. The teacher asked, and I was the only one who put my hand up."
Ridgeley reflects on the legacy Michael has left behind despite his short life. "Yog had become the artist he was destined to be. Wham! was now going to be middle-aged.
"We all wake up in the middle of our dreams and suddenly it's not there (anymore). I was happy for my friend."
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George Michael's Mysterious Death
According to reports, the singer was found "cold" and "blue" in his own home by his boyfriend Fadi Fawaz. By the time help arrived, Michael was long gone, and "beyond help."
Many wonders if Michael died because of his drug use. In 2008, he was arrested for drug possession, and he also admitted that he struggled without using drugs.
However, prior to his death, the singer turned things around and got into counseling to help him stop using drugs.
"I realized it had to be something to do with me. It shook me out of my denial," he said in an interview. "After that crash happened, I started drug counseling and was two weeks in detox, none of which I made public. It feels so completely behind me now. It really does."
Fans, friends, and family suspected that Michael probably started using again, which was what led to his death.
Others, like the singer's boyfriend, alleged that Michael might have died due to suicide, as he had been very vocal about "wanting to die" many times.
