Keith Flint coroner’s report rules insufficient evidence for suicide
“We will never quite know what was going on in his mind on that date...”
[TW: This article contains information which some readers may find distressing]
The Prodigy’s Keith Flint died by hanging, an inquest has heard.
According to the coroner's report, however, there is insufficient evidence to rule that the legendary performer died by suicide, as previously reported.
The 49-year-old frontman was found dead in his home in Essex on 4th March. The coroner’s officer, Linda Calder, has today (8th May) given a brief inquest hearing in Chelmsford, stating that, “Mr Flint was found at his home address by a friend, hanging from a beam.”
The report, from senior coroner for Essex, Caroline Beasley-Murray also noted the presence of cocaine, alcohol and codeine in Flint’s system. Beasley-Murray has recorded an open conclusion for the singer’s death, stating, “We will never quite know what was going on in his mind on that date and so that’s why I’m going to record an open conclusion.”
“I’ve considered suicide,” Beasley-Murray stated in the report. “To record that, I would have to have found that, on the balance of probabilities, Mr Flint formed the idea and took a deliberate action knowing it would result in his death. Having regard to all the circumstances I don’t find that there’s enough evidence for that.”
According to the report, there was insufficient evidence for Beasley-Murray to rule out or confirm that Flint’s death was an accident, where he may have been “larking around and it all went horribly wrong”, thus adding to the decision to record an open conclusion.
“He clearly was extremely popular,” Beasley-Murray added. “He was much-loved by so many fans. It’s been very touching to see that, and of course I’m aware of the funeral service that was held in Bocking.”
The inquest was delivered in the absence of Flint’s family and manager who were aware of the hearing but did not wish to attend.
Earlier this week, a message was shared on The Prodigy’s official social media channels directing fans to numerous mental health charities and suicide prevention initiatives. “It has been a tough time for everyone over the last few weeks since Keef's passing,” the message reads “If you are struggling with depression, addiction or the impact of suicide, please do not suffer in silence. The Prodigy fully support the campaign to improve mental health for all and give it the respect it deserves.”
In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email [email protected]. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
