Reality TV star and singer Lil ' Chris who died last month was found hanging at his home by a friend , the inquest into his death has been told . The 24-year-old pop star , whose real name was Chris Hardman , died on March 23 in his hometown of Lowestoft after a long battle with depression . Suffolk coroner Peter Dean today told the inquest that Mr Hardman 's that friend AJ Sutton later identified the body . Scroll down for video . Suffolk coroner Peter Dean told an inquest into the death of signer Chris Hardman , aka Lil Chris ( left and right ) , that a friend found his body hanged at his home in Lowestoft on March 23 . He said that paramedics and police were called to his home in Union Road , Lowestoft , that morning and death was confirmed at 11.48am . He added : 'He had been found at his home by a friend . Emergency services were called but attempts at resuscitation failed . ' In a previous statement Mr Hardman 's family said he had been fighting a long battle with depression , and was determined to find a cure . Pathologist Richard Ball confirmed the cause of death as hanging . Dr Dean said : ' I would like to offer my thoughts and condolences to the family , friends and all those close to him for their loss . ' Speaking soon after his death , Mr Hardman 's family said he was ' a huge personality who will be missed by everyone who knew him ' . In a statement , they added : 'Chris had struggled with mental health issues and depression in recent years . 'He was committed to helping others find better ways of overcoming this illness and publicly said he wished to find a cure . 'Despite this , his concern was always his family and his friends , whose happiness was his priority . ' Mr Hardman shot to fame in Channel 4 's Rock School after Kiss frontman Gene Simmons made him the lead singer of a student band . He was later offered a solo deal and went on to have a top five hit with Checkin ' It Out in 2006 . A previous statement by Mr Hardman 's family described him as 'hugely creative ' , adding : 'If he was n't bringing joy through music he was telling jokes or pulling pranks . 'He was the sunshine on a rainy day , and could make friends the minute he walked into a room , making everyone smile with his gorgeous , cheeky face . ' A real people person , he would always take the time to stop and talk , no matter who or when , and we are proud that he was so well thought of by all who knew him . Mr Hardman ( pictured front ) shot to fame after featuring on Kiss frontman Gene Simmons ' show School of Rock , before landing a solo recording deal . Following news of Mr Hardman 's death , Simmonds ' posted this message of condolence , while McBusted singer Harry Judd described him as a 'little star . 'So many commented on what a lovely , well brought up person he was , so polite and kind and a pleasure to know . ' Samaritans deputy chief executive Fiona Malcolm said : 'If anyone has been affected by this news , or is struggling to cope , we would like to let people know that Samaritans is here for them if they need to talk . ' The inquest was opened and then adjourned until July 28 .
Singer was found at home in Lowestoft on March 23 and pronounced dead . Friend AJ Richard Ball helped to identify the body , inquest into death was told . Pathologist who confirmed cause of death extended sympathies to family . Reality TV star had been struggling with depression and vowed to find cure . The Samaritans can be contacted by phone on 08457 909090 , email jo @ samaritans.org , or you can find the details of your local branch at www.samaritans.org .