The sudden death of Whitney Houston at the age of 48 on Saturday from unknown causes sent shock waves of grief through her fans and fellow celebrities. Whitney Houston died Saturday afternoon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. An official cause of death is not yet known, but rumors are already swirling that her death may have been related to her past history of drug and alcohol abuse.
Whitney Houston was declared dead at 3:55 p.m. on Saturday after being found unconscious in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Emergency personnel responded to a 911 call placed to the Beverly Hills police department shortly after 3:30 p.m. and arrived at the hotel within just a few minutes. Sadly, they were already too late and were unable to save Houston.
Friends, fellow celebrities and fans of Whitney Houston reacted in shock to the news of the “Waiting to Exhale” star’s death. Mariah Carey perhaps summed up everyone’s reaction best in her emotional post to Twitter about the singer’s death.
“Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston” Carey Tweeted. “My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.
“Whitney is a legend, and that’s how I will remember her,” comedian Wanda Sykes posted on her Twitter feed on hearing the news of Houston’s death. “Prayers for her daughter, her mother, and her family. Rest in peace, Ms. Houston.”
“Shocked we’ve lost the immensely talented Whitney Houston,” iconic Latin singer Gloria Estefan posted on Twitter. “Sending prayers of peace & solace 2 her family, friends & fans! Such a loss!”
Whitney Houston, who was known for her talent as an actress as well as a multi-platinum, Grammy-Award winning singer, had reportedly just wrapped filming on a new movie, “Sparkle.” Houston was at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to attend a party by music mogul Clive Davis Saturday night.
Those who had seen Houston recently said she appeared to be well, despite her long history of battles with drugs, alcohol and mysterious illnesses. “Recently interviewed Whitney Houston on set of ‘Sparkle,” Shaun Robinson, a correspondent for “Access Hollywood,” posted on Twitter. “She looked very happy and healthy. #unbelievable”
“Just heard the news. So crazy,” Justin Bieber Tweeted. “One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family.
Katy Perry, also posting on her Twitter feed, succinctly expressed the sentiment all of us no doubt felt on hearing of Whitney Houston’s death far too young. “So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P.”
>> Related: Whitney Houston dead at 48, publicist confirms
A wonderful beautiful person, sadly taken from us too soon, rest in peace Whitney Houston. Thoughts are with her daughter, mother & family. Xx