Watch CBS News

Alexander McQueen Suicide; Fashion Designer Hanged, Says Paper

(AP)
(AP)
LONDON (CBS/AP) Alexander McQueen, an accomplished British fashion designer, has been found dead at his London home, his spokeswoman said, just weeks before he was set to unveil his new clothing collection in Paris.

He was 40 years old.

Photo: Alexander McQueen

Spokeswoman Samantha Garrett said McQueen's body was discovered Thursday morning but said she had no information "in terms of circumstances." British paper The Sun said McQueen's body was found hanged.

McQueen is believed to have committed suicide, according to the London Daily Mail.

Police said officers were called by the ambulance service at 10:20 a.m. to an address in central London, and found a 40-year-old man dead. They did not name him but said next of kin had been informed.

Photo: This creation is part of Alexander McQueen's Fall-Winter 2008-2009 men's collection.

Authorities said a post-mortem would be conducted but that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

"It is a tragic loss," said a source at McQueen's office. "We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family."

McQueen's death comes three years after the suicide of his mentor and close friend Isabella Blow, according to the Daily Mail.

Blow was fashion director of Tatler Magazine, who killed herself in 2007 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.