Sad case: Matt Irwin, 36, was found dead at his flat in Hackney, East London, on May 5

A celebrity photographer who snapped the likes of Rita Ora and Kylie Minogue killed himself after breaking up with his boyfriend, an inquest has heard.

Matt Irwin, 36, was found dead at his flat in Hackney, East London, after taking a huge dose of the party drug GHB while suffering from depression.

The photographer, who also worked with Nicki Minaj and One Direction, said in a note left on top of his laptop that he felt he was letting people down.

Mr Irwin, originally from Southport, Merseyside, started taking photos aged 15 when a friend gave him a camera and became friends with dozens of stars.

But Poplar Coroner’s Court heard on Monday how he took a fatal dose of GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy, after suffering from ‘brutal’ depression.

Friends had become concerned about Mr Irwin after not hearing from him for a couple of days – and he was found dead on May 5 with his flat door left open.

Pals: Mr Irwin, originally from Southport, started taking photos aged 15 when a friend gave him a camera and became friends with dozens of stars, including Rita Ora (pictured today)

'Always made me happy': Following his death, tributes flooded in for Mr Irwin – including from singer and rapper Nicki Minaj, who said: 'I just don't want to believe he's gone'

Police found two notes on top of his laptop, with one acting as a will and the other entitled an ‘open letter to the world’, reported the Hackney Gazette.

His friend Samantha Teasdale also revealed how he was sad after the end of a relationship with his boyfriend who had gone back to a previous partner.

She said: ‘Matthew changed after this and started going to the gym all the time and travelling. I think he did this to hide his depression.’

Coroner Jaqueline Devonish said: ‘He was depressed and describes depression as brutal. He comments that as a guy he really can’t say he’s not coping.’

Recording a verdict of suicide, she added: ‘He also thinks about the people who have been kind to him and helped him and felt he was letting them down.’

Worked together: One Direction's Niall Horan was among the stars Mr Irwin photographed

Playing around: Mr Irwin also snapped One Direction singer Harry Styles (pictured together)

Following his death, tributes flooded in for Mr Irwin – including from singer and rapper Minaj, who said: 'I just don't want to believe he's gone.

‘Always made me so happy on set. Always so loving and sweet and optimistic. This is so surreal. He was just so unbelievably talented.’

Ora posted pictures of her with him, saying: ‘Matt Irwin, you were always smiling, I'm so lucky to have known you, and shooting so many fun things together. ‘

Meanwhile TV presenter and model Alexa Chung said: 'Sorry to hear you left so soon. Will break out the summer shorts in your honour.'