Lil’ Chris took his own life after struggling with the pressures of fame.
The ‘Rock School’ star – who was found dead at his home in Lowestoft, East England on March 23 last year – told friends and his mental health worker that life in the spotlight had intensified his feelings of paranoia and anxiety, but he missed the limelight when his career stalled, an inquest in Bury St. Edmunds heard today (08.02.16).
Suffolk coroner Dr Peter Dean said Chris’ death was "an intentional act" and "that fame also brought with it difficulties and problems but he had shown a desire to relaunch that career once more."
The inquest heard the 24-year-old star – whose real name was Chris Hardman – had spent the night before his death "chilling" with friends at his flat and the following day, he attempted to contact both his GP and mental health workers with concerns about his medication, but there was no indication he posed an immediate risk to himself.
He was found hanged later that day by his flatmate, A.J. Sutton, who called emergency services, but nothing could be done.
After the hearing took place, Chris’ sister Hannah Hardman said her family want to encourage people to speak "openly" about their issues, just like Chris did with his depression.
In a statement, she said: "it was very difficult for him and he spoke very openly about his depression. The one thing we would like to take away from this tragedy is to get people speaking more openly about mental illness. I know that is what he wanted."
Chris’ cause of death had previously been confirmed as hanging at a hearing held in 2015.
Chris rose to fame aged just 15 after appearing on ‘Rock School’ alongside KISS’ Gene Simmons.
Lil’ Chris struggled with pressures of fame
