Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

"She would not have suffered": Cilla Black died of a stroke

The TV icon fell before the stroke happened.

CILLA BLACK DIED of a stroke, a postmortem has confirmed.

Blind Date PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

A family spokesperson today released a statement confirming her cause of death.

“Cilla was sunbathing on her private terrace at her villa in Estepona, got up, lost her balance and fell hitting her head, which knocked her unconscious, and she subsequently died of a stroke. She would not have suffered,” the statement said.

Black was found by her son Bobby at her holiday home in Estepona near Marbella in Spain on Sunday. She was 72 years old.

The Guardian said the delay in confirming the cause of her death was because forensic experts had asked first responders for more information about the circumstances of how her body was found and to carry out further tests, not because foul play was suspected.

According to the BBC, her three sons – Robert, Ben and Jack Willis – have now been given permission to return her body to the UK as soon as possible for her funeral.

In a statement they said:

We are devastated by the sad loss of our mother, but have been deeply touched by all the kind messages of support from her friends, fans, the public and media.

Black’s passing sparked an outpouring of grief over the weekend.

The Liverpudlian was a popular singer before turning her hand to TV presenting. She hosted Blind Date on ITV from 1985-2003 and Surprise Surprise from 1984-2001.

Read: ‘A true showbiz legend’: Tributes pour in following death of Cilla Black

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Órla Ryan
View 23 comments
Close
23 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds