Sinead O'Connor located safe in Chicago suburb
Singer has spoken often about her struggles with depression and mental illness
Sinead O'Connor has been located "safe and is no longer listed as a missing/endangered person," according to police in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette.
Authorities had sought the Irish singer-songwriter to check her well-being, after O'Connor reportedly left for a bike ride early Sunday morning and had not returned after 24 hours. An unnamed individual had called police expressing concern for the 49-year-old's well-being, said Sgt. Michael Robinson.
Paradigm Talent Agency, which represents O'Connor, declined comment and it is unknown why she was in the area.
The Dublin-born singer has performed at least twice in Chicago in the past few months, including with blues legend Buddy Guy in January and at a cancer charity fundraiser and David Bowie tribute in March. She has also been regularly posting social media comments about the U.S. presidential race.
O'Connor, who shot to fame in 1990 for her smash hit cover of Prince's track Nothing Compares 2 U, has spoken candidly about dealing with and seeking treatment for mental health issues.
Social media outbursts
Earlier this month, in a Facebook post, she accused comedian Arsenio Hall of supplying drugs to music legend Prince, who died suddenly at his Minnesota home studio on April 21. Hall filed a $5-million US defamation lawsuit against O'Connor in Los Angeles Superior Court.
In November, she threatened suicide through a bizarre Facebook post, saying she had "taken an overdose" and blaming family members for "appalling cruelty."
O'Connor, who has four children and one grandchild, was later found safe, with reports suggesting she was seeking medical attention.
Several months earlier, O'Connor cancelled her entire 2015 summer tour, including headlining festivals in Edmonton, Regina and Winnipeg. A statement released by her agent pointed to medical reasons.
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From the very beginning of her career in the mid-1980s, O'Connor has courted controversy for her outspoken nature, shocking statements and outrageous acts, including tearing up a photo of the then pope as a protest as she ended a high-profile performance on TV's Saturday Night Live.
Musically, she has experimented with a variety of genres throughout her career, from pop and rock to torch songs, reggae and Irish folk music.
Her albums earned praise from critics and fans, but her brash behaviour and, in recent years, struggles with mental illness often overshadowed her musical ability and achievements.
With files from The Associated Press