London - British fashion designer Alexander McQueen hanged himself after taking a mixture of cocaine, tranquillisers and sleeping pills, the inquest into his death concluded.
According to the BBC, the London inquest was told that the world famous designer was under pressure from work and was "overwhelmed with grief" at the death of his mother Joyce.
The 40-year-old's body was found in his London residence on February 11, the eve of his mother's funeral.
"The balance of his mind was disturbed," the BBC quoted coroner Paul Knapman as saying. He recorded a suicide verdict.
Westminster Coroner's Court heard that the designer had a history of depression and had taken two drug overdoses in 2009 which were described as "cries for help".
A joint statement from the Gucci Group, which is owned by French luxury conglomerate PPR, and the Alexander McQueen company said: "Today is a difficult day for all of those who knew and worked with Lee (McQueen's given first name) as we come to terms with the manner of his tragic and untimely death.
"Whatever the circumstances of his passing, Lee will be remembered by all of us who had the privilege of calling him a colleague and friend as a rare talent, a true genius and brilliant creative force."
- Reporting by Mike Collett-White