Singer Dionne Warwick has been hit with a second tragedy this year (12) following the death of her cousin Whitney Houston in February (12) - her nephew recently passed away after succumbing to a mystery virus.

The Walk On By hitmaker was left grief stricken in February (12) when Houston was found dead in her Los Angeles hotel room bath tub.

Now, just eight months after the tragedy, Warwick reveals her nephew died a few weeks ago at the age of 24.

She tells Britain's Daily Mail, "This year I've cried a lot. Crying is cleansing. There's a reason for tears, happiness or sadness. Of course I cried at Whitney's funeral and I cried at my nephew's funeral.

"Imagine, he contacted (sic) a virus and he couldn't get rid of it. This has been a terrible year. It was quite unexpected."