Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died of ‘inhalation of chloroethane’
10.09.2022 - 05:07
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died from “inhalation of chloroethane”, a US medical examiner's office has confirmed.
The Scottish star was found dead in his US apartment, in Rochester, Minnesota, last month at the age of 41. Autopsy documents from the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office listed “toxic effects of chloroethane” as well as “suffocation” as having contributed to his death.
Chloroethane, commonly known as ethyl chloride, is a colourless, flammable gas or refrigerated liquid with a faintly sweet odour. It became popular as a street drug in the 1980s, with inhalation causing dizziness, euphoria and hallucinations.
The death was ruled an accident by the medical examiner. Previously, a statement released by Campbell Danesh’s family said local police had found “no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances”.
The singer-songwriter and actor – known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame on ITV show Popstars in 2001 – also appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young. 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.
Read more:Darius's actress ex-wife pays sweet tribute to tragic star
Young and fellow Pop Idol contestant Gareth Gates paid tribute to the singer after his death was announced, describing him as “driven, courageous and gentle”. In a heartfelt tribute, Young, 43, wrote: “For the past few days my thoughts have been with Darius’s family and will continue to be so.”
Gates said Campbell Danesh had taken him “under his wing” during their time on the show and had been “like a big brother, always looking out for me”. “I will miss