An inquest into the death of reality star Mick Norcross has opened in Chelmsford.
The businessman starred in the ITV series The Only Way Is Essex and was known for owning the famous Sugar Hut nightclub.
He was found dead at his home in the Essex village of Bulphan on January 21, aged 57.
During a two-minute hearing this morning, coroner’s officer Sarah Lee said Mr Norcross died by hanging.
“Mr Norcross was found hanging in the basement of his home," she told the inquest.
“Paramedics attended and sadly pronounced him dead.
“Police attended, all protocols were followed, and his death was confirmed as non-suspicious.”
A post-mortem examination on January 26 gave suspension by ligature as the provisional cause of death, she said.
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.”
The inquest has been adjourned until July 22.
Mr Norcross first appeared in Series 2 of TOWIE in 2011.
His son Kirk, 32, was part of the original cast alongside Amy Childs, James 'Arg' Argent, Lauren Goodger and others.
Mr Norcross was introduced as the owner of the Sugar Hut nightclub, which was where many of the programme’s famous arguments happened.
He left the show in 2013, saying the venue’s prominent place in the show had damaged its brand.
