Mick Jagger has opened up on the death of his long-term girlfriend and fashion designer L'Wren Scott, who was found hanged in her Manhattan apartment yesterday morning. The Rolling Stones singer did not appear to be able to cast any more light on the reasons why Scott chose to take her own life, but paid tribute to his "lover and best friend."

L'Wren Scott Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger Is Devastated By The Loss Of Girlfriend L'Wren Scott.

"I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way," said Mick in a statement on his website, adding "We spent many wonderful years together and had made a great life for ourselves." Having been together for 13 years, the couple met in Paris in 2001 when Scott was working as a stylist on a photoshoot.

"She had great presence and her talent was much admired, not least by me," Mick wrote. "I have been touched by the tributes that people have paid to her, and also the personal messages of support that I have received. I will never forget her." Scott, 49, was found dead by her assistant on Monday morning after sending a text asking them to "come by." Police have said that there was no sign of foul play and L'Wren had not left a note.

L'Wren Scott
The Designer Was Found Dead In Her Apartment On Monday.

Jagger was in Australia with his band when he learned of the sorrowful news yesterday, leading to The Rolling Stones announcing that the first of their tour dates - Perth on Wednesday - would be cancelled. Ticketholders have been asked to hold on to their tickets until notice of a rescheduled show.

Some media outlets have been quick to speculate on why the model-turned-designer committed suicide with no key cause proving evident. The UK's Press Complaints Commission (PCC) said that it had received a small number of complaints from the public over images published in the media which apparently showed an upset Sir Mick at the time he was told Scott had died, according to BBC News.

L'Wren Scott Mick Jagger Harper's Bazaar
Jagger Thanked Fans For Tributes As Rolling Stones Cancel First Australian Tour Date.

Jagger's spokesperson, Victoria Scarfone, was also called on to rubbish claims made yesterday that the rocker and Scott had split up. "The story in the New York Post re: a split between Mick Jagger and L'Wren Scott is 100% untrue. There is absolutely no basis in fact to this story. It is a horrible and inaccurate piece of gossip during this very tragic time for Mick," she said.

Celebrities have rushed to post their condolences and tributes via Twitter: read some of them here.

Angelina Jolie was said to be considering a L'Wren Scott wedding dress.