Lil Chris 'found hanging at his home by a friend' following battle with depression, inquest hears

The singer and TV star was just 24 when he took his own life

(Piers Allardyce/REX)

Lil' Chris, the 24-year-old pop star whose real name was Chris Hardman, was “found hanging at his home by a friend” on 23 March after he struggled to cope with mental health issues.

Speaking at an inquest opened and adjourned in his home town of Lowestoft today, coroner Dr Peter Dean said that “emergency services were called” to his home in Union Road, Lowestoft, but that “attempts at resuscitation failed.”

His death was confirmed at 11.48am and his body identified by his friend, AJ Sutton.

“I would like to offer my thoughts and condolences to the family, friends and all those close to him for their loss,” Dr Dean added.

Cause of death by hanging was confirmed by pathologist Richard Ball.

“Chris had struggled with mental health issues and depression in recent years,” a statement by his family read.

“He was committed to helping others find better ways of overcoming this illness and publicly said he wished to find a cure.

“Despite this, his concern was always his family and his friends, whose happiness was his priority.”

Hardman shot to fame in Channel 4's Rock School after Kiss frontman Gene Simmons made him the lead singer of a student band.

He was later offered a solo deal and went on to have a top five hit with “Checkin' It Out” in 2006.

Samaritans deputy chief executive Fiona Malcolm said: “If anyone has been affected by this news, or is struggling to cope, we would like to let people know that Samaritans is here for them if they need to talk.”

The Samaritans can be contacted by phone on 08457 909090, email josamaritans.org, or you can find the details of your local branch at www.samaritans.org.

The inquest was adjourned until 28 July.

Additional reporting by PA