Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Fashion designer McQueen 'hanged himself'

Chris Greenwood,Tom Perry,Pa
Wednesday 17 February 2010 08:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen hanged himself in his wardrobe after leaving a note at the scene, an inquest heard today.

Westminster Coroner's Court was told the 40-year-old, whose full name was Lee Alexander McQueen, was discovered at his £1 million flat in Green Street, Mayfair, central London, last Thursday.

A post mortem examination found he died as a result of asphyxiation and hanging.

The inquest heard that McQueen's body was identified by his sister, Janet McQueen, of Hornchurch, Essex, on the day of his death.

The fashion designer killed himself on the eve of the funeral of his mother, Joyce.

Coroner's officer Lynda Martindill said: "At about 10.30am last Thursday, February 11, a man was found hanging in his wardrobe at Flat 1, Green Street, London, W1.

"On Monday February 15, he was identified as Lee Alexander McQueen, aged 40, born 17/3/69 in Lewisham, south east London.

"He was a single man, a fashion designer. He resided at Flat 1, 7 Green Street W1K."

Mrs Martindill added that a post-mortem examination on Monday found two causes of death: asphyxia and hanging.

She said: "No analysis or post-mortem report is yet available."

Detective Inspector Paul Armstrong, of Charing Cross CID, told the inquest there were no suspicious circumstances.

He brought a "note" found at the scene and it was handed to the coroner for further examination.

Jonathan Coad, who represented the McQueen family, was at the inquest but made no comment.

A letter was passed to reporters asking the media to respect the McQueen family's privacy.

It said: "This notice is also a plea on behalf of the McQueen family for your recognition that it has suffered a grievous double loss in a very short space of time and that any insensitive and/or intrusive photographs and/or footage will only compound to the family's distress."

Coroner Dr Paul Knapman adjourned the inquest until Wednesday, April 28 at 10am. The inquest lasted just five minutes.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in