Grammy-nominated musician and trans icon Sophie Xeon has died after a “sudden accident” at the age of 34.
A statement from her team read: “It is with profound sadness that I have to inform you that musician and producer SOPHIE passed away this morning around 4am in Athens, where the artist had been living, following a sudden accident.
“At this time respect and privacy for the family is our priority.
“We would also ask for respect for her fanbase, and to treat the private nature of this news with sensitivity.”
Scottish-born Sophie had worked with stars including Madonna and Charli XCX, touring with the latter and producing her album.
She was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album for her 2018 debut album Oil Of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides.
The statement continued: “SOPHIE was a pioneer of a new sound, one of the most influential artists in the last decade. Not only for ingenious production and creativity but also for the message and visibility that was achieved. An icon of liberation.”
Fans flooded social media with tributes after the unexpected death.
Speaking to Paper about being a trans woman, SOPHIE said in 2018: “It means there’s no longer an expectation based on the body you were born into, or how your life should play out and how it should end…
“On this earth, it’s that you can get closer to how you feel your true essence is without the societal pressures of having to fulfil certain traditional roles based on gender.”