A drag queen was found dead underneath cardboard boxes after leaving a nightclub with a mystery man, an inquest has heard.
The body of Darren Meah-Moore, 39, who performed under the names Crystal Couture and CC Quinn, was discovered partially covered by the boxes by a friend in Cardiff in 2023.
Meah-Moore, who was convicted in 1999 of child rape for a sex attack on a boy, was last seen in drag at 5am on January 22 after leaving the Pulse nightclub.
He was reported missing by his husband, also called Darren, the following morning – and a worker at the club said she saw him enter a nearby car park with another man.
After nightclub manager Sean Rogers learned of his disappearance, he went to check the car park and could see part of his dress from the previous night.
Mr Rogers said when he got out of his car he found Meah-Moore’s body covered with flattened out carboard boxes which had ‘definitely been placed on top of him’.
He said the boxes were ‘covering a large part of his body.’
Mr Rogers said he tried to rouse his friend but when he got no response ran back to his car to phone the emergency services.
The body of Darren Meah-Moore, 39, who performed under the names Crystal Couture and CC Quinn, was discovered partially covered by the boxes by a friend in Cardiff in January 2023
Meah-Moore, who was convicted in 1999 of child rape for a sex attack on a boy, was last seen in drag at 5am on January 22 after leaving the Pulse nightclub
He performed CPR until paramedics took over but Meah-Moore was pronounced dead at the scene.
The inquest heard tributes from Meah-Moore’s father and husband who described him as ‘caring’ and ‘right at the heart of Cardiff’s gay community’.
He was also described as talented gymnast, who ran a jewellery company called Bling Bling Bling UK, which sold pieces including some featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
A 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death was later released without charge.
An earlier inquest heard the cause of death was pending a decision by the pathologist.
At the time of his death, a spokeswoman for South Wales Police said Meah-Moore was last seen wearing a green dress and blonde wig.
A tribute from Meah-Moore’s family said: ‘Darren Moore was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend.
‘He was always the life and soul where ever he went, he was our social butterfly. He made sure he had a lot of time for people, and never judged others.
‘Darren’s husband and family want to thank everyone for their support but now need time to grieve and respectfully request privacy at this time.’
The Pontypridd inquest, due to last four days, continues.
