Darius Campbell Danesh's girlfriend Lauren Cheek reveals undiagnosed heart condition led to 'Pop Idol' star's death
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA: ‘Pop Idol’ star Darius Campbell Danesh's untimely death on August 11, 2022, not only shook his fanbase but also delivered a blow to music lovers in general. The autopsy report published on September 10 revealed that the ‘Colourblind’ singer died after inhaling chloroethane and his death was ruled an accident. Almost a year later, Campbell Danesh’s bereaved girlfriend Lauren Cheek has elaborated on the autopsy report.
Cheek, 30, revealed in an interview with The Sun that the 41-year-old singer was suffering from an unknown heart condition, which she said was responsible for his death. The ‘Live Twice’ singer also suffered from neck pain after breaking his neck in a horrifying car accident in 2010.
‘He died in his sleep’
Cheek, who is a businesswoman, shared, “So many things could have taken him, but this [heart condition] did, and he died in his sleep.” She added, “His mum told me they only found out [about the undiagnosed heart condition] after they did the autopsy,” as reported by The Sun.
Cheek revealed that Campbell Danesh’s heart became enlarged, saying, “His heart was twice the size it was supposed to be.” Cheek emotionally conceded that it “was fitting, because that is genuinely how he was — he had so much love.”
Cheek elaborated on the autopsy report, "The autopsy also found he was living with a broken neck, but he refused to get help or complain about it. I think he used (chloroethane) because he was in so much pain and he didn’t want to take pills, not even aspirin.”
Cheek believes the chemical substance probably reacted with his heart and led to his sudden death. Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office revealed in the autopsy that Campbell Danesh’s death was due to “toxic effects of chloroethane” and “suffocation.” However, there was nothing suspicious about his death.
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The death was announced by his family, who said, “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” before adding, “Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the medical examiners' office.”
They added, “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 respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.”
'It was absolutely terrifying'
In 2010, the winner of the ‘Popstar to Operastar’ met with an accident while holidaying in Spain with his friends. He was travelling in a Porsche when the car slipped in a diesel spill at 70 mph and rammed into a wall. While they come out of the accident safely, Campbell Danesh collapsed after some time. In an interview, he said, “It was absolutely terrifying. I thought that was going to be it. My life flashed before my eyes and I thought I was going to die,” as per Daily Mail. “The last thing I remember was being thrown forwards. Before I knew it, I had got out of the car, but I hit the ground and I couldn't feel my arms and my legs,” added the Scottish singer.
When he was taken to the hospital, it was revealed that he broke his third vertebrae and was mere millimetres away from being paralysed for the rest of his life. In an interview with Hello! Magazine, he said later that he was lucky that he declined to undergo surgery for fear of damaging his vocal chords.
