Designer Alexander McQueen Found Dead

British designer Alexander McQueen, 40, was found dead in his home Thursday at 10 am in London’s West End. A spokesperson for McQueen’s office said: "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."

A spokesman for the London police said: "We were called by London Ambulance Service at about 10.20am this morning to reports of a man found dead at an address in Green Street. He is believed to be 40-years-old and from London. Next of kin have been informed, however we await formal identification before releasing the name of the deceased. A post mortem examination and inquest will take place in due course. The death is being treated as non-suspicious."

The death comes just before the start of London fashion week and four weeks before he was to show his new collection at Paris fashion week. The youngest of six children, McQueen left school at 16 to do an apprenticeship with a traditional Saville Row tailor. He went on to win the British designer of the year award four times.