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28/04/2010
McQueen Taking Drugs Before Suicide
Fashion designer Alexander McQueen hanged himself after taking a cocktail of drugs, an inquest has heard.
The 40-year-old, who hanged himself in February of this year, had taken a mix of cocaine, tranquillisers and sleeping pills before committing suicide.
The Court heard that McQueen was under tremendous pressure in his work life and in his private life he was "overwhelmed" by the death of his mother.
McQueen was found at his London flat on 11 February, the eve of his mother Joyce's funeral.
Coroner's officer Lynda Martindill told Westminster Coroner's Court: "He had been particularly close to his mother and following her death had become overwhelmed with grief."
Coroner Dr Paul Knapman, recorded a suicide verdict and said:" the balance of his [McQueen's] mind was disturbed."
It was made known to the court that the designer had a history of depression, anxiety and insomnia and had made two previous suicide attempts.
His psychiatrist Dr Stephen Pereira said the designer was diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder.
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 found the two causes of death were asphyxia and hanging.
Last month the inquest heard McQueen had hanged himself in a wardrobe at his Mayfair flat after leaving a note.
He had been making final preparations for his spring collection to be unveiled in Paris.
McQueen was named British designer of the year four times after 1996.
His close friend, fashion stylist Isabella Blow who helped launch his career, killed herself in 2007.
(LB/GK)
The 40-year-old, who hanged himself in February of this year, had taken a mix of cocaine, tranquillisers and sleeping pills before committing suicide.
The Court heard that McQueen was under tremendous pressure in his work life and in his private life he was "overwhelmed" by the death of his mother.
McQueen was found at his London flat on 11 February, the eve of his mother Joyce's funeral.
Coroner's officer Lynda Martindill told Westminster Coroner's Court: "He had been particularly close to his mother and following her death had become overwhelmed with grief."
Coroner Dr Paul Knapman, recorded a suicide verdict and said:" the balance of his [McQueen's] mind was disturbed."
It was made known to the court that the designer had a history of depression, anxiety and insomnia and had made two previous suicide attempts.
His psychiatrist Dr Stephen Pereira said the designer was diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder.
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 found the two causes of death were asphyxia and hanging.
Last month the inquest heard McQueen had hanged himself in a wardrobe at his Mayfair flat after leaving a note.
He had been making final preparations for his spring collection to be unveiled in Paris.
McQueen was named British designer of the year four times after 1996.
His close friend, fashion stylist Isabella Blow who helped launch his career, killed herself in 2007.
(LB/GK)
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Stars Pay Tribute To McQueen
Victoria Beckham has led tributes to award-winning British fashion designer Alexander 'Lee' McDonald who was found dead at his London home yesterday. Police have said they are not treating the death of the 40-year-old acclaimed couture creator as suspicious. Mr McDonald, whose mother died earlier this month, is believed to have taken his own life.
25 March 2010
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Stuffed Tiger Seized
Police have seized a stuffed adult tiger from a central London studio which is believed to have been touted for an illegal sale. A 47-year-old man was also arrested after officers became aware of the planned sale of the animal, which was once used by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen in a photoshoot.
25 July 2003
Employed mothers need less stress in workplace
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30 January 2015
Two Bodies Found On Beaches In Scotland
Police in Scotland are working to identify two bodies found on separate beaches in Scotland on Thursday. The body of a man was found on a beach in St Andrews, while another body of a man was recovered on a beach near Glencaple, in Dumfries and Galloway.
Two Bodies Found On Beaches In Scotland
Police in Scotland are working to identify two bodies found on separate beaches in Scotland on Thursday. The body of a man was found on a beach in St Andrews, while another body of a man was recovered on a beach near Glencaple, in Dumfries and Galloway.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
