LONDON — British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead early Thursday at his London home. He was 40.

"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," read a statement posted on his official Web site. "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."

According to the U.K.'s Guardian, McQueen's body was discovered at his West End home shortly after 10 a.m. Britain's Daily Mail reports that McQueen committed suicide by hanging himself at his luxury apartment.

One of the designer's contemporary lines, McQ, was scheduled to be shown Thursday at New York Fashion Week. He was also expected to present collections in the coming weeks at the London and Paris Fashion Weeks.