The singer and actor was found dead in his Rochester, Minnesota apartment last month at the age of 41. Autopsy documents obtained by the PA news agency list “toxic effects of chloroethane” and “asphyxiation” as contributing to his death. The death was ruled an accident by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
Serious car accident
The singer’s family said he had been “suffering from chronic neck pain following a car accident in 2010”, as they thanked everyone for their “love and kindness”. A statement from the family to the PA said: “The results of the medical tests confirmed that Darius’ death was an accident caused by chloroethane, which is used to treat pain and which tragically leads to respiratory arrest.” The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor – who was known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame on ITV’s Popstars in 2001 – also appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young.
Record contract
After Pop Idol, Campbell Danesh turned down Simon Cowell’s offer of a record deal and signed with producer Steve Lillywhite, whose credits include U2 and the Rolling Stones. Cowell, 62, said in a statement: “I first saw Darius on TV over 20 years ago and got to know him very well. He was charismatic, funny and just a great person. “His death, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
