Designer Alexander McQueen Found Dead At Age 40

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, 40, was found dead in his London home this morning. No cause of death has been reported yet, but the New York Times is pointing toward suicide. Last week McQueen’s mother Joyce passed away. In 2007, Isabella Blow, who discovered the designer in the 1990s and became a close personal friend, committed suicide.

Twitter has been flooded with reactions to the designer’s death all morning—including those from celebrities like Katy Perry, who wrote, “Rest In Peace Alexander McQueen. Just woke up, so sad. ☹”

People quotes a Scotland Yard report as saying, “The deceased is believed to be 40 years old and from London. Next of kin have been informed but formal identification is awaited. A postmortem examination will be arranged in due course. The death is being treated as non-suspicious at this time.”

McQueen’s official website bears the following statement:

“On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family. Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”

Catch the “armadillo” shoes Alexander McQueen designed in Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” video at :30 and 3:22 below: