Fashion luminary Alexander McQueen has been found hanged in his London home at the age of 40.
McQueen's office has confirmed the tragic news of his death this afternoon, releasing a statement that reads:
"On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home.
"At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family.
"Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."
Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious, the BBC reports.
The news comes just a week after McQueen's beloved mother Joyce died and he announced the news on his Twitter page with the poignant message, "i'm letting my followers know that my mother passed away yesterday if it she had not me nor would you RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx".
His close friend, the fashion guru Isabella Blow, took her own life three years ago.
Born Lee Alexander McQueen in 1969, the much-lauded designer won a plethora of awards - among them British Designer of the Year four times between 1996 and 2003, International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards 2003 and a CBE - during his stellar career.
The loss of one of its brightest stars will send shockwaves through the fashion industry, which is gearing up for its bi-annual international show season kicking off today in New York. Already, shocked insiders are flocking to pay their condolences on Twitter. "
