"Fashion designer Alexander McQueen hanged himself in a wardrobe after leaving a note, an inquest in London has been told," reports the BBC. "McQueen was found dead at his London home last Thursday, as final preparations were being made for his spring collection to be unveiled in Paris. Westminster Coroner's Court was told a post-mortem examination had said he had died due to asphyxiation and hanging. The five-minute hearing was told his body had been identified on the day of his death by his sister, Janet McQueen, of Hornchurch, Essex. Det Insp Paul Armstrong told the inquest there were no suspicious circumstances. He presented the note found at the scene to the coroner, Dr Paul Knapman, for further investigation. Coroner's officer Lynda Martindill said no report of the post-mortem examination was yet available. Dr Knapman adjourned the inquest until 28 April, 2010."

"Mr McQueen died the eve of the funeral of his mother, Joyce. His close friend fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who helped launch his career, killed herself in 2007." MORE

Mr McQueen was named British designer of the year four times after 1996.