Inquest Hears Details of Drag Queen's Death in Cardiff
An inquest has been presented with the tragic details surrounding the death of a drag queen who was found deceased underneath cardboard boxes in Cardiff. The body of Darren Meah-Moore, aged 39, was discovered partially covered by the boxes by a friend in January 2023.
Final Movements and Discovery
Meah-Moore, who performed under the stage names Crystal Couture and CC Quinn, was last seen in drag at approximately 5am on January 22 after departing from the Pulse nightclub. He was reported missing by his husband, also named Darren, the following morning. A worker at the club reported observing him enter a nearby car park accompanied by another man whose identity remains unknown.
Upon learning of his disappearance, nightclub manager Sean Rogers proceeded to check the car park. He noticed part of Meah-Moore's dress from the previous evening visible from his vehicle. Upon exiting his car, Mr Rogers discovered the body covered with flattened cardboard boxes, which he stated had definitely been placed on top of him and were covering a large part of his body.
Attempts to Revive and Police Investigation
Mr Rogers attempted to rouse his friend but received no response, prompting him to rush back to his car to contact emergency services. He performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation until paramedics arrived and took over, but Meah-Moore was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death but was subsequently released without charge. South Wales Police confirmed that at the time of his death, Meah-Moore was last seen wearing a green dress and a blonde wig.
Background and Tributes
The inquest heard that Meah-Moore had a prior conviction from 1999 for child rape involving a sex attack on a boy. Despite this, tributes were paid by his father and husband, who described him as caring and right at the heart of Cardiff's gay community. He was also remembered as a talented gymnast and the proprietor of a jewellery business named Bling Bling Bling UK, which supplied pieces featured on the television programme RuPaul's Drag Race.
A family tribute expressed that Darren Moore was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, adding that he was always the life and soul wherever he went and never judged others. The family requested privacy to grieve.
Ongoing Inquest Proceedings
The cause of death remains pending a decision by the pathologist, as noted in an earlier inquest hearing. The Pontypridd inquest, scheduled to last four days, is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding this incident.
