text: 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 wasn'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.
target: Singer was found at home in Lowestoft on March 23 and pronounced dead .
  Friend AJ Sutton 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.