BBC man's death was not suicide

Television presenter Christopher Price, found dead in his West End flat, died from an infection of the brain lining, an inquest ruled today.

Recording a verdict of natural causes, Westminster coroner Paul Knapman said meningoencephalitis had killed the 34-year-old Liquid News host.

His BBC producer told the hearing how Mr Price was happier than he had been for years. He was to have presented this year's Eurovision Song Contest and showed no sign of depression.

Mr Price was found in April in the bedroom of his flat in Wells Street, where he lived alone. There was no suicide note and no sign of any tablet containers, the hearing was told. Police said a small packet of cocaine had been found but had apparently not been used.

Days before his death Mr Price sent a text message to producer Chris Wilson, saying he had a cold and bad sinus pains. Mr Wilson said the presenter, who had also worked for Radio 5 Live and BBC News 24, was feeling particularly positive because he had decided to go and live with two friends he had recently met.

"In the last months of Christopher's life he was probably happier than he had been for many years," Mr Wilson said. Asked whether he had shown any suicidal tendencies, he replied: "Absolutely not."

Liquid News was the flagship for the digital channel BBC Choice and was repeated late at night on BBC1. The programme was launched in May 2000 and it was widely reported that Mr Price had signed a £250,000-a-year deal.

The presenter, who often described himself to the media as a "fat, bald homosexual", had been given up for adoption by his parents when he was six days old, his brother William Ibbetson-Price, a headmaster, said. He said he "was being groomed by the BBC for great things".

Harley Street GP Jeffrey Fine said Mr Price had "struggled" with his weight and had been taking a mild appetite suppressant. He had also been taking two powerful antibiotics and painkillers for an ear infection.

Tragedy of 'gay, bald, fat man'