Whitney Elizabeth Houston, an American singer, actress, producer and model, has died at age 48. Houston’s publicist, Kristen Foster informed the Associated Press Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

TMZ reports, Houston passed away at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles, where a police crime lab vehicle was spotted moments ago.

According to The New York Times, Houston has “revitalized the tradition of strong gospel-oriented pop-soul singing”. Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times referred to the singer as a “national treasure”. She is what many consider to be a “singer’s singer” who has influenced countless other vocalists, both female and male. Tragic day. She was a legend beyond words.

Don’t walk away from me, don’t you dare wake away from me – R.I.P. Whitney Houston – (August 9, 1963—February 11, 2012)