Darius died after refusing major operation because he wanted to save voice

12 September 2023 , 11:38

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Darius Campbell Danesh's family have revealed more about his final days (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died on August 11, 2022, after being found unresponsive in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, in the US. The 41-year-old had been staying in a plush apartment block opposite the world famous Mayo Clinic and had enjoyed dinner with friends the night before.

Now, with investigations into his death complete, his heartbroken family and friends have shared more details about his final hours. Darius had been in 'good spirits' in his last days, with friends revealing: "The night before Darius passed, he had dinner with close friends, who reported that 'Darius was in a lot of pain, but he was in good spirits when he was with us." They stayed together until the early hours of the morning and made plans to meet the following day. Sadly, it was an arrangement he was unable to keep.

But what caused his agony? Darius was battling chronic pain in his neck as a result of two car accidents. The first occurred in Spain in 2010 when he suffered a broken neck. Speaking about the crash to HELLO! he previously told how he came just 'three millimetres from death'. The singer had been on a lads driving holiday at the time and was on the motorway in sweltering heat. "Because of the haze, we didn't see that there was a diesel spill on the road. Before we could work out what was going on, it was already too late," he explained. "The car careered out of control on a bend, and we smashed into a wall at 70mph. My first recollection is my friend, the driver, asking if I was ok."

He went on to say he remembered feeling a "sharp pain" in his neck before collapsing. Following the accident, Darius is said to have been offered an operation on his neck that could have proved life-changing, however, the singer and actor famously declined the procedure because there was a risk that it could impact his vocal chords.

The star suffered from 'severe nerve pain' in his neck after two car accidents (Getty Images)

The star was said to be in 'good spirits' despite his pain before his death (Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)

His pain continued to get worse over the years and a second car accident in 2021 only made it worse. Instead of the operation, Darius is said to have treated the 'severe nerve pain' using marijuana, painkillers, and an anaesthetic drug, the latter of which tragically caused him to go into 'respiratory arrest'.

Darius Danesh's girlfriend shares singer's autopsy results after shock death

In a statement released to The Scotsman, his family said: "The Rochester Police Department have finalised their report following Darius' death. It gives us great sadness to share further information on the passing of our loving son and brother. In the days leading up to his death, Darius had been suffering from severe nerve pain in his neck following car accidents in 2010 and 2021, which was progressively 'getting worse'. He had taken pain medication, marijuana, and chloroethane to manage the intensity of the pain prior to his death.

"When Darius did not show up and could not be reached, the hotel staff were asked to check on him. Around 11.50am on August 11, Darius was found unresponsive in bed by the hotel staff in the apartment where he was staying, having inhaled chloroethane using a bag, which led to respiratory arrest. The Rochester Fire and Police Department pronounced Darius deceased shortly after at 12.01pm. The autopsy report also concluded that Darius' heart was twice the expected size. This may have contributed to his respiratory arrest."

The family also shared that police have ruled the death an accident and have determined there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing. They added: "We will always remember Darius for his open-hearted warmth, generosity of spirit, and the way he touched so many people's hearts and minds. He was an incredibly loving, caring, and supportive son, brother, and friend. His spirit of love and light is still with us all.

"We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and kindness in what has been a very difficult year. We kindly ask that the family's privacy is maintained as we continue with the healing process."

Courtney Pochin