Revealed: Cilla Black died of a stroke after fall

Cilla Black died of a stroke after falling and hitting her head.

An autopsy has confirmed that Cilla Black died of a stroke after falling and hitting her head at her Spanish home.

Black's sons are reportedly heartbroken and say they will now 'bring Mum home as quickly as possible', the Telegraph reported.

The 72-year-old star collapsed suddenly while she was sunbathing on a terrace at her holiday villa.

She was found by one of her sons.

Her family said she did not suffer, the Telegraph reported.

"We would like to thank everyone, especially the people of Liverpool. The tributes and condolences have really helped us through these difficult times," Black's family said in a statement.

Tributes to Black have been pouring in since her death was announced. Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Paul McCartney and Christopher Biggins, all close friends of Black, hailed her energy and spirit.

Former Beatle Paul McCartney said news of Black's death came as a shock. "She had a fine distinctive voice and was always a bit of a laugh. It was a privilege to know and love her," McCartney said in a statement.