Sophie, the Grammy-nominated electronic musician and producer, has died aged 34 following a “sudden accident”.
In a statement, her management confirmed that the pioneering artist died around 4am at home in Athens.
“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.”
It 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.”
‘She will always be here with us’
Sophie’s UK label Transgressive confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: “True to her spirituality she had climbed up to watch the full moon and accidentally slipped and fell.
“She will always be here with us.”
Born and raised in Glasgow, Sophie released her debut single in 2013.
In 2018, she released her debut critically-acclaimed album Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic album, making her the first openly trans artist to be nominated in this category.
Sophie collaborated with artists including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Vince Staples and Charli XCX.
Tributes from across the music industry have flooded in, with Christine and the Queens calling Sophie “a stellar producer, a visionary, a reference”.
‘Cherish the pioneers’
“She rebelled against the narrow, normative society by being an absolute triumph, both as an artist and as a woman. I can’t believe she is gone.
“We need to honour and respect her memory and legacy. Cherish the pioneers,” she wrote.
Activist Munroe Bergdorf tweeted: “Our community has lost an icon, a pioneer and a visionary bright light. Heartbroken. SOPHIE you will be missed.
“Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I hope we get to meet again one day. Rest in peace sister.”
London rapper Shygirl, who released her Sophie-produced track “Slime” last October, tweeted: “A friend I’ve never not been in awe of, it’s so hard to believe I won’t have more memories with her.
She added: “Tell people you love them when you can.”
LGBT charity Stonewall tweeted that the community had lost an “icon”.
“A role model and a legend, rest in peace, SOPHIE.
“Sending love and light to her family and friends through this difficult time.”