Pop singer Charles Haddon 'killed himself over injured fan'

A MUSICIAN "feared he had crippled a fan" during a stage-dive that went wrong just hours before he committed suicide.

The venue where Charles Haddon jumped into the audience during the group's show at the Pukkelpop music festival, hours being committing suicide. Picture: AFP/Bas Bogaerts

A MUSICIAN "feared he had crippled a fan" during a stage-dive that went wrong just hours before he committed suicide.

Charles Haddon, lead singer of British band Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, jumped off a satellite mast after a performance at the Pukkelpop festival in Belgium on Friday.

The tragedy is now being linked to an incident in which a young girl was seriously injured after the singer suddenly dived into the audience during the band’s performance.

Haddon, 22, reportedly feared he may have crippled the girl for life and was heard saying: "I hope she pulls through. I hope she will be able to walk."

Investigators are now reviewing video of Haddon emerging from backstage after the gig following the incident they say sparked a "near riot".

Witness Jens Borms said the stage-dive caught people off-guard.

"As people were completely surprised by this, they jumped away instead of catching him. Apparently one girl couldn't get away and was severely injured in the back," he said.

Another eyewitness said: "I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt anyone. The look in his eyes when he stood up and they pulled the girl from the ground was very scary."

According to Belgian newspaper De Standaard, Haddon then had a "furious argument" with his fellow band members.

Hours later, his body was found in the carpark below the mast.

The injured girl is now in hospital with serious injuries to one leg and four vertebrae but is expected to make a full recovery.

A statement released by the band read: "We are all so deeply saddened to confirm that our friend Charlie Haddon passed away yesterday, Friday 20 August.

"The singer had just performed with his band, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, at the Pukkelpop festival in Belgium. He was 22 years old.

"Charles Alexander Haddon R.I.P Thanks for all your messages of support. x."

The London three-piece was due to play at the Parklife Festival in Australia next month.

Their debut album Christ Died For Our Synths was set to be released in October.

Suicide prevention support and information is available from Lifeline at 131 114.