Crowded House drummer found dead

Paul Hester was last seen alive on Friday evening

The drummer of the Australia-based rock band Crowded House has been found hanged in a park in Melbourne.

Paul Hester, 46, had last been seen alive on Friday night, when he left his home with his dogs.

Ambulance officers said he had "attempted suicide" and died from strangulation. He was already dead when they arrived at the scene.

Hester played with New Zealand group Split Enz before forming Crowded House with Neil Finn in 1985.

Police have said the death was not suspicious.

Devastated

Speaking from London, where he is currently on tour, Crowded House singer Neil Finn said he was devastated by the death.

I never, ever heard he was suffering from any illness Peter Green

"I have lost one of my best mates," he told Australian paper the Daily Telegraph.

Peter Green, a long-time friend of Hester, said he had not been aware of any sign of depression.

"Paul never said anything about that and I never, ever heard he was suffering from any illness," he said.

"Then, after today, I wonder if anybody really knew anything."

Hester had become a TV presenter after leaving the band in 1994.

He lived in Melbourne with his partner and daughters aged 8 and 10.

International hits by Crowded House included Don't Dream It's Over and Weather With You.