A TOP clarinettist who feared “a slow death from cancer” hanged himself with a belt.
Musician and bookseller Louis Leff, aged 73, of Vanbrugh Terrace, Blackheath, was found hanged at his home on February 11, an inquest at Southwark Coroner’s Court heard on June 12.
Mr Leff, who underwent an operation for cancer a few years ago, opened The Bookshop, in Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, after retiring from the London Symphony Orchestra.
On February 11, a shop assistant contacted artist Tony Lord, who sold pictures in the shop, to say his boss had not been seen for days. He asked him to visit Mr Leff at home.
He was unable to gain access to the flat and the police were called.
PC Ian Bailey broke in and found Mr Leff hanging by a belt.
Mr Lord said: “I think he feared a slow death from cancer.” Pathologist Dr Peter Jerreat said all the evidence pointed to death by hanging. There were no signs of serious medical problems.
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