The inquest into Alexander McQueen’s suicide has closed

A London coroner has closed the inquest into Alexander McQueen‘s suicide in February. Dr. Paul Knapman found cocaine, sleeping pills and tranquilizers in the designers’ blood and noted that he “killed himself while the balance of his mind was disturbed”

McQueen’s psychiatrist also spoke at the inquest, stating that the designer had overdosed twice and was in treatment for “mixed anxiety and depressive disorder” though it was difficult to get him to show up for appointments. The psychiatrist pointed to work pressure and friends McQueen felt were taking advantage of him as having an effect on the designer’s mental state.

“He had been terribly let down in long-standing close relationships. He was very close to his mother. I think on top of the grief he felt there was that one link that had gone from his life and there was very little to live for.”

Part of McQueen’s suicide note, found by police scrawled on the back of a copy of Wolfe von Lenkiewicz’s book Descent of Man, was read in the coroner’s court: “Please look after my dogs. Sorry, I love you. Lee. PS Bury me in the church.”

Alexander McQueen hanged himself after taking drugs [Guardian]