One of the saddest and most unexpected celebrity deaths in recent months was undoubtedly that of The Prodigy's Keith Flint.
The rave legend passed away in March at the age of 49 and was believed to have taken his own life by hanging. A police statement at the time reported that his death was “not being treated as suspicious”. His Prodigy bandmate Liam Howlett also posted on Instagram that Flint “took his own life over the weekend.”
However, an inquest into the musician's death has recorded an open verdict, casting doubt on whether he deliberately committed suicide.
Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray confirmed that cocaine, codeine and alcohol were present in Flint's system when he died, but said that she would record an “open conclusion”.
“I have considered suicide, but I would have to record that finding on the balance of probability that he formed the intention and took a deliberate action knowing it would result in his death,” she said. “Having regard to all the circumstances I don’t find there is sufficient evidence. I then have to consider an accident – was he just larking around and it all went horribly wrong? But I am not going to record that because there isn’t sufficient evidence. I am going to record an open conclusion. We will never quite know what was going on in his mind on that date.”
His bandmates have not yet commented on the verdict, but posted a message of support to those struggling with mental health:
If you are struggling with mental health difficulties, there is help available. Samaritans Ireland are available 24/7, or contact Pieta House here.
