London: Lil’ Chris’ death is not being treated as suspicious, Suffolk Police have confirmed, while an outpouring of tributes have been paid online by celebrities and fans.
Suffolk Police have revealed they were called to a property in Lowestoft, south east England, at 11.45am on Monday (23.03.15) following reports of a “sudden death”, and while they are looking into the cause of the 24-year-old star’s passing, they do not believe any foul-play was involved.
In a statement to the Daily Mirror newspaper, a spokesman added: “Officers received a call on Monday 23rd March at about 11.45am following the death of a 24-year-old man. A postmortem examination is to take place in due course and an inquest will be opened.”
The news of the singer’s passing has prompted an out-pouring of tributes from celebrities and fans, including members of supergroup McBusted, as the star previously supported band members Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter, Danny Jones and Harry Judd when they were in McFly on their 24-date ‘Up Close and Personal’ tour in 2007.
Dougie wrote on Instagram: “So sad to hear about Lil Chris. He was such a genuinely sweet and funny guy, we had some awesome times. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. (sic)”
Posting on Twitter, Danny wrote: “Devastated to hear about @CJHardman My thoughts are with his family. We lost a talented dude! #RIPChris (sic).”
Tom tweeted: “Can’t tell you how absolutely tragic it is to hear about Chris. Such a sweet, lovely dude. So shocked and sad. (sic).”
The ‘Checkin’ It Out’ hitmaker – whose real name was Chris Hardman – originally rose to fame in the second series of the British Channel 4 series ‘Rock School’ featuring KISS bassist Gene Simmons, who has also paid his respects to the musician.
He wrote on Twitter: “Sad to report Lil Chris from the Gene Simmons Rock School TV show, has passed on. He was loved. RIP, Lil Chris. (sic).”
TV presenter Caroline Flack, who previously co-hosted morning show ‘TMi’ with fellow presenters Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes, has praised the late star.
She wrote: “Oh my god . Lil Chris . He was a regular guest on TMI. Always always such a polite lovely guy . That’s so sad (sic)”
Sam and Mark tweeted: “Can’t believe the sad news about lil Chris. We worked with him a few years ago and he was a lovely young lad..taken too soon. Mark #ripchris (sic)”