Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh found dead at 41

Photo credit: Brian Rasic – Getty Images

Darius Campbell Danesh – who rose to fame in the early noughties, appearing on Popstars and Pop Idol – has passed away at the age of 41.

The Scottish singer, who competed alongside Will Young and Gareth Gates, was found dead in his apartment on 11 August – although the news was not announced until 16 August.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” a statement announcing the news read. “Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners’ office.”

The statement continued: “The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.

“We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.”

Photo credit: Ben A. Pruchnie – Getty Images

After becoming a household name in the early noughties for his rendition of Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time, Darius went on to have a successful musical theatre career, starring in West End Musicals including Chicago, Guys and Dolls and Oliver. He is perhaps most well known for his 2002 hit, Colourblind.

In light of the heartbreaking news, fans and celebrity friends alike flocked to social media to share their condolences. “What an absolute banger. RIP darius :(“, one fan on Twitter wrote alongside a photo of the artwork for his smash hit. “Gutted, absolutely f**king gutted”, another fan wrote, with The X Factor’s Ryan Clark putting: “Proper sad about Darius”.

Our thoughts are with Darius’ friends and family at this heartbreaking time.

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