Alexander McQueen took drug cocktail before killing himself
The fashion designer Alexander McQueen took a cocktail of drugs including cocaine before hanging himself, an inquest was told today.
McQueen, whose real name was Lee, died at his Mayfair home on February 11th, the day before his mother’s funeral.
The inquest heard that he had a history of depression and anxiety and had researched how to commit suicide on the internet before he died.
The 40-year-old had taken cocaine, sleeping pills and tranquillisers before his body was found by his cleaner.
McQueen’s psychiatrist Dr Stephen Pereira told Westminster coroner’s court that the designer had been diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder and that he was under work pressure.
He said: “He certainly felt very pressured by his work, but it was a double-edged sword.
“He felt it was the only area of his life where he felt he had achieved something.
“Usually after a show he felt a huge come-down. He felt isolated, it gave him a huge low.”
A post mortem examination showed he had died from asphyxiation and hanging.
A statement released by his family said: “Lee was a public figure and a creative genius, who possessed a generous loving, caring nature.
“Those who were privileged to have known Lee will cherish their memories of him for all their lives.
“Lee was also a much-loved brother and son and we miss him terribly.
“We will continue to make every effort to keep his memory alive.”
