Crowds gather to read and place floral tributes beneath a mural of British singer David Bowie, in Brixton, south London, on January 12, 2016, a day after the announcement of Bowie's death. Music legend David Bowie was famously private during his lifetime -- and in death, as a string of questions about the circumstances of his passing remained unanswered. His official social media accounts had announced the shock news of his death at 69 on January 11, 2016: "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer," adding a request for privacy for the grieving family. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL / AFP / LEON NEAL