The inquest into the death of former child pop star Lil’ Chris has been told that a friend found his body hanging at his home in Lowestoft.

The ‘Rock School’ reality TV show winner, whose real name was Chris Hardman, was discovered dead at his house on Union Road in his Norfolk hometown on March 23rd. He was aged just 24, and was believed to have battled depression for a number of years.

Lil ChrisLil' Chris was discovered dead at his home in Lowestoft in March

While only fleetingly popular, with the UK Top 3 hit ‘Checkin’ It Out’ to his name from 2006, Hardman’s death at such a tragically young age prompted a huge outpouring of condolence on social media. A private funeral was held by his family and friends in Gorleston, Norfolk on April 8th.

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According to MTV UK, Suffolk coroner Peter Dean stated at the inquest that his death had been caused by suicide. Paramedics and police were called to the scene, but Hardman was declared an hour later.

“He had been found hanging at his home by a friend. Emergency services were called but attempts at resuscitation failed,” Dean said, before adding his condolences. The full hearing has been adjourned to July 28th.

A statement was released by his family in the wake of his death, saying: “He was a hugely creative person who used this side of his personality to make others smile, to cheer people up and to make others feel better.”

Samaritans’ deputy chief executive Fiona Malcolm said the charity was “saddened” to hear of Hardman’s death, and added: “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.”

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