Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music’s queen until her magnificent voice and majestic image were destroyed by substance abuse, controversial behavior and a turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown, has died, according to the Associated Press. She was 48.

At the height of her career, Houston was the music industry’s golden girl. She sold millions of records and won over legions of fans with her gorgeous, effortless soprano, charisma, subtle sex appeal and acting abilities in films like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” Her hits include “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and her fantastic cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”

However, as Houston’s career declined and her album sales dropped, her once serene image was ravaged by excessive drug use and bizarre public appearances on television shows and radio. She confessed to abusing marijuana, pills and cocaine and her voice became raspy and unremarkable. Her fall from grace proved a cautionary tale on the dangers of drug use and an excessive Hollywood lifestyle. She never quite made a complete comeback, and although she accepted several interviews and performed publicly, Houston was never in top form ever again.

Many Staples students who have found out were saddened by the news.

“I’m shocked,” said Keleigh Brockman ’14. “She was unbelievably talented.”

Added Nicholas Massoud ’15, “I looked up some of her songs, and she had a beautiful voice.”

Although Houston’s glory days were before many current pupils’ time, her legendary songs resonate with countless students.

“She was amazing and she will be sorely missed,” said Jon Morris ’12.

Erica Stein ’13 found the death especially tragic.

“For anyone to die at such an early age is very sad,” Stein said. “And Whitney was just so talented.”

UPDATE: Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California, submerged underwater in the bathtub. Perscription drugs were found in her room, but no toxicology reports have confirmed anything.