Darius Campbell Danesh's ex-wife Natasha Henstridge pays tribute after singer, 41, is found DEAD in Minnesota
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA: Darius Campbell Danesh, a Scottish singer and actor, died under mysterious circumstances when he was merely weeks away from the highly anticipated 'Pop Idol' reunion. The singer rose to fame with his performance of Britney Spears' 'Baby One More Time' in the UK's early singing competition show called 'Pop Stars'. The following year he appeared on 'Pop Idol' and got his true shot at fame as he finished third. The 'Colorblind' singer was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11.
As per Variety, a spokesperson for the Rochester police department said Darius' death is currently the subject of "an open investigation." The 41-year-old, as per The Sun, was set for a comeback to the UK in just weeks for a 'Pop Idol' reunion special by Thames TV at Criterion Theatre in London’s West End where the show's original auditions were held. He was reportedly scheduled to reunite with Queen singer Adam Lambert who won the 'American Idol' at the event.
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The source said, "He was really excited about the reunion and was in talks with producers to appear on it. They were looking at getting filming started around the end of September. It was going to be an hour-and a-half-long special hosted by Ant and Dec and full of nostalgia for the millions of Pop Idol fans. I spoke to Darius recently and he was in good spirits — he was his usual happy self."
'Cause of death unknown'
Darius' family issued an official statement as per BBC which read, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh. 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 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." As per the law enforcement officials, the Scottish singer and actor's death showed no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances and they were waiting for the toxicology report.
Darius' ex-wife Natasha Henstridge is at a loss for words after singer's sudden death. The Canadian actress, 48, who was married to the singer from 2011 until 2018, shared a string of emotional posts on her Instagram featuring her ex-husband on Tuesday, Aug 16. The posts are no longer visible on her account. Daily Mailquotes her as saying: "I have found the paradox that if you love until it hurts there can be no more hurt - Only more love -Mother Theresa." She further wrote: "There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam."
The couple, who began dating in 2004, married in 2011 but later filed for divorce in 2013. The duo tried to reconcile, but that did not hold for long and they finalized their divorce in 2018. Darius previously told the Scottish Herald: "That relationship was certainly not without its ups and downs. Over the course of 12 years, we broke up many times and had a period of six months apart."
ITV, the channel that aired 'Pop Stars' and 'Pop Idol', essentially shaping Darius' career also remembered their prodigy in a statement saying, "Darius was a much loved and memorable part of both the ‘Popstars’ and ‘Pop Idol’ series, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time." After topping the UK charts with his angles and albums, he went on to appear in West End shows like 'Chicago', in which he appeared alongside America Ferrera, 'Funny Girl' alongside Sheridan Smith, and 'Guys and Dolls'. He was last seen in June, heading to the beach in Malibu with Hollywood star Gerard Butler.
Simon Cowell remembered the singer and told Daily Mail, "I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well. He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with. His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends."