Reality star and nightclub owner Mick Norcross died by suicide, an inquest has heard.
The businessman – who owned the iconic Sugar Hut club, and appeared in early series of The Only Way Is Essex – died earlier this month, at the age of 57.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned in Chelmsford on Wednesday.
During the two-minute hearing, Coroner’s officer Sarah Lee said that Mick had been found “in the basement of his home”.
“Paramedics attended and sadly pronounced him dead,” Lee said.
“Police attended, all protocols were followed, and his death was confirmed as non-suspicious.”
Michelle Brown, assistant coroner for Essex, said: “We are still waiting for the toxicology and the post-mortem report.
“Also, I understand that mobile phone downloads and iPads are being looked into by the police.
“We also have a very detailed letter from a family member.”
Mick began appearing in TOWIE during its second series, joining his son Kirk Norcross, who was already in the cast.
He appeared on the show for six series in total, eventually leaving in 2013.
Since the news broke of his death, cast members including Gemma Collins and Mark Wright have paid their respects on social media.
Alongside a photograph of herself and Mick, Gemma wrote on Instagram: “Always a gentleman.
“Absolutely shocked and saddened by the news. My thoughts and prayers are going out to Kirk family and friends. Absolutely tragic.”
“You never know what someone is going through. You was one of the good guys,” she added.
Mark also tweeted: “You were a great man, an inspiration to many, always so polite and welcoming. Such a gent. We lost a good one.
“Let this be ANOTHER reason to check in on people and ask if they are ok. It’s imperative we talk.”
Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.
