Alexander McQueen Found Dead from Suicide

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen, 40, has been found dead in his London home. His office confirmed the news to BBC this morning. Paramedics pronounced him dead on the scene and police are treating his death as non-suspicious. Alexander McQueen's death comes just days before London Fashion Week.

Alexander McQueen was known as the l'enfant terrible of the fashion world because of his out-of-the-box creativity and tendency to push the envelope. As reported by the Daily Mail, British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman observes that, "At one level, he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius." His most famous clients included Mikhail Gorbachev and Prince Charles.

Alexander McQueen is also a ubiquitous presence in contemporary pop culture. On an episode of Glee, Kurt's dad asks, "You want to help me put a 195 on this bad boy?" Kurt responds, "Let me change into my coveralls. This sweater's an Alexander McQueen!"

Alexander McQueen Found Dead: Suicide

The Daily Mail reports that the fashion designer had committed suicide. His death comes just days after his mother passed away. In addition, his close friend, Isabella Blow, who had been instrumental in catapulting his career, had committed suicide three years ago. Alexander McQueen had dedicated his 2008 Paris fashion week show to his late friend.

Yet even before his mother death's, Alexander McQueen hinted at personal troubles. On February 1, he wrote the following on his Twitter account, "From heaven to hell and back again, life is a funny thing. beauty can come from the most strangest of places even the most disgusting places."

Alexander McQueen Found Dead: Prevention

According to Suicide.Org, approximately 750,000 people in the US attempt suicide every year, and 30,000 die by suicide. Metanoia.Org offers the following explanation for suicide. "Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain."

If you have ever had thoughts of suicide, it is important to ask for help, whether it comes from family, friends, clergy, or a therapist. You can also call 1-800-SUICIDE. Teenagers can call the Covenant House NineLine at 1-800-999-9999.

Survive.org.uk also provides resources for those in the UK. You can call the Good Samaritans at 08457 90 90 90 or Maytree at 020 7263 7070. Teens and young adults can call Papyrus at 087017 04000 or 01978 367333.

Sources:

Alexander McQueen, UK fashion designer, found dead, BBC News

British fashion icon Alexander McQueen commits suicide days after death of his beloved mother, Daily Mail

Suicide, Metanoia.Org

Suicide FAQs, Suicide.Org

Suicide, Survive.org.uk