Alexander McQueen found dead in London home

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home Thursday, the design house confirmed. He was 40.

A cause of death for the fashion icon, born Lee McQueen, has not been reported.

The family released the following statement:

“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. Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”

McQueen's death comes on the first day of New York Fashion Week, during which he was scheduled to present his line McQ by Alexander McQueen at MAC & Milk in Chelsea.