Grammy nominated artist Sophie dies at 34 in Greece after a tragic falling accident

Electronic pop artist and musician Sophie Xeon, popularly known as just Sophie, has died. She was 34.

"Tragically our beautiful Sophie passed away this morning after a terrible accident," the artist's family said an emailed statement provided by Sophie's representative, Ludovica Ludinatrice. "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. The family thank everyone for their love and support and request privacy at this devastating time."

A police spokesperson in Athens, Greece, confirmed that Sophie slipped and fell from the balcony of an apartment where she was staying and no foul play was suspected in her death.

The Scotland-born artist was living in Athens when the accident occurred. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, she began releasing music in 2013. Her debut album "Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides" landed her a Grammy nomination in 2018 for Best Dance/Electronic Album. 

Sophie collaborated as a producer with a long list of artists, including Charli XCX, Vince Staples, Nicki Minaj and Madonna. 

Tributes have poured in from across the LGBTQ community for Sophie, who was transgender and widely considered one of the most pioneering artists in the music industry.

Four-time Grammy Award winner Sam Smith tweeted: "The world has lost an angel. A true visionary and icon of our generation. Your light will continue to inspire so many for generations to come."

French singer/songwriter Christine and the Queens described Sophie as a “stellar producer, a visionary, a reference,” who rebelled against “the narrow, normative society by being an absolute triumph, both as an artist and as a woman.”

She added: “We need to honor and respect her memory and legacy. Cherish the pioneers.”

Discussing gender identity in a 2018 interview with Paper magazine, Sophie said, “Transness is taking control to bring your body more in line with your soul and spirit so the two aren’t fighting against each other and struggling to survive.”

“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 fulfill certain traditional roles based on gender,” she said.

The artist's visibility was seen as influential according to a statement from her representatives labeling her an "icon of liberation."

Contributing: Associated Press