The cause of Annabelle Neilson's death has been revealed by her family. The late socialite passed away last Thursday aged just 49, and her sister Millie said in a statement on Wednesday: "Very sadly, we have been informed today that my sister, Annabelle, died as a result of a heart attack at home last Thursday." Millie – who was talking to the Daily Mail – added: "It has come as a complete shock, as she had many plans having recently returned from Spain. My parents and I are devastated and shocked by this news. We would ask the media to respect the privacy of our family and Annabelle's close friends during this difficult time. We will not be making any further statement at this time. We thank you for your consideration."
Annabelle Neilson died from a heart attack
MORE: Kate Moss leads celebrity tributes to Annabelle Neilson
The news of Annabelle's passing was announced on Monday evening, and tributes soon followed. Kate Moss broke her silence on her good friend's death two days later via her official Instagram work page. The Kate Moss Agency shared a photo of the pair together in a tight embrace, which was simply accompanied by a broken heart emoji. Elton John's husband David Furnish also paid tribute on his own social media page. The father-of-two posted a black-and-white headshot of the former model, and wrote a lengthy message besides it. David said: "My heart is full of sadness having woken up to the news of the untimely death of @annabelleneilson1 She was an absolute fireball of fun and always made me laugh uproariously. Rest in peace my darling. #RIP."
Stars gone too soon
Sadie Frost – who was also a good friend of Annabelle - chose to share a photo of a butterfly to pay her respects. "You’re a beautiful little moth, spirited yet fragile & untamed ..fly away far from touch or flame," she wrote, tagging Annabelle in the photo. Annabelle had last been seen out earlier in the month with Kate, fashion designer Alice Temperley and socialite Poppy Delevingne at the wedding of her ex-boyfriend, Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill.