Designer McQueen hanged himself, inquest hears

Westminster Coroner's Court was told the 40-year-old, whose full name was Lee Alexander McQueen, was discovered at his 1m 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 death was caused by 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 news 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.

Yesterday it emerged that the late fashion designer had been nominated for a top British award.

McQueen is shortlisted for his spring and summer 2010 fashion collection.

The collection, which suggested a "futuristic underwater world", was streamed from a fashion show in Paris live on the internet to 40 million viewers.

The shortlist for Brit Insurance Design of the Year was drawn up before McQueen's death.

The awards, which feature Angel of the North sculptor Antony Gormley as chair of the judges, celebrate the most forward-thinking designs of the last 12 months.

Industry experts have nominated international designs across seven categories – transport, fashion, product, graphics, furniture, interactive and architecture.

The winner will be announced on March 16.

Eccentric American singer Lady Gaga also dedicated her appearance at the Brit awards at Earls Court, London, on Tuesday to the fashion designer.