He was just 40 years old. McQueen’s death comes just days after the death of his mother, Joyce. UK’s Daily Mail online reports that he hanged himself.

McQueen’s diffusion line McQ was set to show today – the first day of New York Fashion Week – at Milk Studios. The designer’s presentations were always ones to watch, as he was a leader in the artistry of fashion. If the blizzard if NYC hadn’t already cast a pall on the week, this certainly will do the job.

Count your blessings, followers. This just goes to show that the person you might be looking up to appears to have everything in the world, and yet they feel they have nothing to live for. Find your peace. Click here to watch McQueen videos.

Read & See Alexander McQueen on The Fashion Cult

photos: dailymail.co.uk, kinho.com