RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - News of Whitney Houston’s death Saturday night surprised and saddened many in Central Virginia, the nation and the world.
Houston, 48, was found unresponsive in a Beverly Hills hotel room Saturday afternoon around 4:40. Paramedics and first responders performed CPR, but the legendary singer was pronounced dead around 3:55. [STORY: Whitney Houston found dead in Calif. hotel]
As word of the singer’s death spread, many paused to reflect on the signer’s connection to their own life.
“It had a huge effort on a lot of people, because I know a lot of babies were born off her music,” remembered Kim Owens, a bartender at Mama J’s restaurant. “She was a great singer, but she just died too young.”
Others at the restaurant said the world lost a true legend, an original diva, Saturday.
Word of the singer’s death also quickly went viral on Facebook and Twitter. [BONUS: Listen and watch videos of Whitney’s chart-topping hits]
In fact, hundreds of comments poured in on the CBS 6 Facebook page as news of Houston’s death spread.
Josephine Smith wrote that she was saddened to hear one of the greatest singers on earth died. “My prayers are with the whole family,” she added.
Additionally, Diane Deavers wrote that she had been hoping for another comeback from Whitney, but that the start had been battling her demons for a long time.
“Such a magnificent talent that was a signature of its own. She will be greatly missed. Whitney has touched us in such an iconic way that she will never be forgotten,” wrote Edward Brown. [CONNECT: Share your memories of Whitney Houston on the CBS 6 Facebook page]
Houston performed at the Richmond Coliseum on Aug. 12, 1987 and on July 14, 1991.
