The Prodigy star Keith Flint was found dead at his Essex home on Monday, March 4, after he “took his own life” according to bandmates. The musician was facing an emotional time, putting his house up for sale and separating from his wife, Japanese DJ Mayumi Kai. Now it has emerged that in one of his final interviews, Keith discussed his troubled childhood and battles with both drink and drugs.
In one of his final interviews, Keith described himself as a “kind of court jester meets asylum escapee” and spoke of his troubled childhood and “dark periods”.
He said in the interview with FHM in May 2015: “I’m not saving up for anything. I’m cashing it all now.
“I’ve always had this thing inside me that, when I’m done, I’ll kill myself.”
Flint made the comment as he discussed a period n the early 2000’s, in which The Prodigy were suffering from a lack of new material and so were not performing live.
Read More: Keith Flint dead: The Prodigy star split from wife before ‘suicide’
Keith added: “It was a dark period. I was drinking and taking too many drugs.
“The problem is, you’ve got s*** loads of cash and s*** loads of time and all you’re doing is looking for a buzz. I did f*** all really.”
The star has spoken openly of his battle with depression, drink and drugs.
Oin a separate interview with the Times in 2009 he said: “I’ve always had mental problems, so to speak. I’m incredibly self-destructive.”
He also revealed how his now estranged wife, Japanese DJ Mayumi Kai, helped to save him from spiralling further – instead swapping alcohol and drugs for Range Rovers and dogs in his new, countryside life.
But the marriage broke down and Mayumi Kai was in Japan when Keith was found dead on Monday.
She broke her silence only to retweet a Japanese news story sharing the band’s reaction to the shocking death, with The Prodigy co-founder Liam Howlett confirming Keith had “taken his own life”.
Liam, who started the group with Keith in their hometown of Braintree, Essex, wrote on Instagram: “The news is true. I can’t believe I am saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend.
“I’m shell shocked, f****** angry, confused and heart broken r.i.p brother.”
The Prodigy’s official Instagram account also confirmed the death of the “true pioneer, innovator and legend”.
The statement said: “It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint. A true pioneer, innovator and legend.
“He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.”
An Essex Police spokeswoman confirmed they were called to an address in Brook Hill, North End, just after 8.10am on Monday, March 4.
The statement said: “We attended and, sadly, a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His next of kin have been informed. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
An East of England Ambulance spokeswoman added: “We were called at 8.08am with reports of a man who was unconscious in Brook Hill, Dunmow.
“We sent an ambulance officer, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and one ambulance. Sadly a man in his forties died at the scene.”
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.