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Keith Flint inquest: 'Not enough evidence' to say death was suicide

Wed, 08 May 2019

Keith Flint died by hanging and had cocaine, alcohol and codeine in his system at the time, an inquest has heard.

However, the coroner said there was not enough evidence to conclude The Prodigy star's death was suicide.

Flint, 49, was found hanging at his home in North End, Essex, on 4 March.

In a short inquest hearing on Wednesday, Essex Senior Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said she had considered his death might have been suicide but recorded an open conclusion, saying that "we will never quite know what was going on in his mind".

In her summary, she said: "To record [suicide], 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."

Ms Beasley-Murray also said she found insufficient evidence to conclude Flint's death was an accident, where he may have been "larking around and it all went horribly wrong".

"I'm going to conclude an open conclusion," she said. "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.

"He clearly was extremely popular, he was much loved by so many fans."

Flint's family and band manager did not attend the hearing, but were aware it was taking place, the inquest was told.

The hearing was held in their absence, with no witnesses called to give evidence in person.

Ahead of the inquest, the band posted a message on their Instagram page on Tuesday, writing: "It has been a tough time for everyone over the last few weeks since Keef's passing.

"If you are struggling with depression, addiction or the impact of suicide, please do not suffer in silence."

Coroner's officer Linda Calder said the Prodigy frontman was found at his home address by a friend.

Police attended the scene and found there were no suspicious circumstances and no third-party involvement, Ms Beasley-Murray said.

A post-mortem recorded the singer died by hanging, and the report also noted the presence of cocaine, alcohol and codeine in his system.

The Prodigy found fame in the early 1990s with hits including Charly, No Good (Start The Dance) and Out Of Space from their first two albums, Experience and Music For The Jilted Generation.

Flint was initially a dancer with the band before moving to become frontman for Firestarter and Breathe - the singles from their third album, The Fat Of The Land, which propelled them into the mainstream.

Both the singles and the album topped the charts, achieving multi-platinum sales.

The Prodigy released their latest album, No Tourists - their seventh consecutive number one record - last November.

Mr Flint was a regular visitor to the Isle of Man and known for his involvement in the TT.

The vocalist was the owner of Team Traction Control.

Following Flint's death, fans from around the world travelled to Essex for his funeral after being invited to "raise the roof for Keef" by the band.

Paying tribute at the time, bandmates Liam Howlett and Maxim described him as "a true pioneer, innovator and legend" who would be "forever missed".

In April, the band also said goodbye to their long-time minder and security man, Con Murphy, who died just weeks after Flint.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans Isle of Manfor help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

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