London (CNN) George Michael's sister Melanie Panayiotou was found dead on Christmas Day, exactly three years after the British pop star died, the family's lawyer has confirmed to CNN.

"We can confirm that very tragically Melanie has passed away suddenly," the family's lawyer, John Reid, said in a statement on Friday."We would simply ask that the family's privacy be respected at this very sad time."

London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement to CNN that emergency services were called to a home in north London on Wednesday evening due to "reports of the sudden death of a woman, aged in her 50s."

George Michael with his sister, Melanie Panayiotou during the 1980s.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious by police," the statement said, adding that the coroner will compile a report into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Panayiotou's death came three years after Michael, 53, died suddenly in 2016 on Christmas Day. He left behind a catalogue of hits, including "Careless Whisper" and "Faith," and the Wham! tracks"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Last Christmas."

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