Freddie Mercury was a British singer and songwriter who achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen. He was known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987. After the conclusion of his work with Queen in June 1991, he retired to his home in Kensington, West London. His former partner, Mary Austin, was a particular comfort in his final years, and in the last few weeks made regular visits to look after him. Near the end of his life, Mercury began to lose his sight, and declined so that he was unable to leave his bed. Mercury chose to hasten his death by refusing medication and took only painkillers. On November 24, 1991, Freddie Mercury died from bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS-related complications at his home in Kensington, London, at the age of 45. According to his wishes, Mary Austin took possession of his cremated remains and buried them in an undisclosed location.