Photo: wenn
An inquest has found that Chris Hardman, known as singer Lil Chris, took his own life after struggling to deal with the pressures of fame.
The 'Checkin' It Out' star committed suicide in March 2015, aged just 24. An inquest in Bury St Edmonds this week (8 February, 2016), found that the singer took his life as fame was only adding pressure to his anxiety, paranoia and depression.
BBC News reports Suffolk coroner Dr Peter Dean said Hardman's 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."
"It was very difficult for him and he spoke very openly about his depression," said Hardman's sister Hannah at the inquest. "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."
Hardman rose to fame as the star of Rock School where he was mentored by Kiss legend Gene Simmons.
"Chris had struggled with mental health issues and depression in recent years," said his family in a statement. "He was committed to helping others find better ways of overcoming this illness and publicly said he wished to find a cure."
They continued: "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.
"A real people person, he would always take the time to stop and talk, no matter who or when and we are proud that he was so well thought of by all who knew him.
"So many commented on what a lovely, well brought up person he was, so polite and kind and a pleasure to know."
Simmons was among those in the music world to lead tributes to the star.
Sad to report Lil Chris from the Gene Simmons Rock School TV show, has passed on. He was loved. RIP, Lil Chris. pic.twitter.com/ODlHs1bX6y
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) March 24, 2015
For more information on dealing with depression, visit Samaritans.
