A police dispatch call reveals the moment Pop Idol singer Darius Campbell Danesh was found lifeless.
The singer-songwriter and actor was found dead in his bed in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11. His family revealed his death yesterday.
A police dispatch call reveals the moment Pop Idol singer Darius Campbell Danesh was found lifeless.
The singer-songwriter and actor was found dead in his bed in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11. His family revealed his death yesterday.
A’medical’ team was dispatched for a ‘possibly deceased’ person, sources say. Minutes later, an operator allegedly said, ‘No need to answer.’ We’re awaiting RPD’s arrival. We’ll safeguard it.
Darius lived in The Berkman apartments, a two-year-old building with seven storeys touted as Rochester’s ‘best address for sophisticated short-term and long-term furnished suites and residential living’
Most Berkman renters work or are treated at the Mayo Clinic’s 1,265-bed Saint Marys Campus across the street.
The 1889 campus contains 70 surgical rooms and 10 intensive care units and specializes in cardiac treatment, transplants, epilepsy monitoring, newborn intensive care, psychiatry, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
The Berkman is touted as being near the hospital; its website headline is ‘Berkman Apartments across from Mayo Clinic’
Darius’ Mayo Clinic connection is unknown. The cause of his death is still under investigation, a Rochester police official said. No public threat’
Darius was reportedly ‘eager’ for a homecoming and UK comeback tour with his former Pop Idol co-stars.
The Sun stated that Thames TV will film at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End with international stars, including American Idol winner Adam Lambert.
As police await toxicology findings, there are ‘no signs of purpose or strange circumstances’ Darius dated Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge.
The pair divorced after marrying in 2011 at Santa Barbara’s San Ysidro Ranch. His ex-wife said Wednesday, “There are no words Darius… Love only. Janam.’
MailOnline called to numerous Berkman residents last night; none knew about the death.
Darius’ family released a statement announcing his death. Darius was found unresponsive in his Rochester, Minnesota, residence on August 11 and proclaimed dead that day.
No signs of purpose or strange circumstances were found, police said. Medical exams continue to determine the cause of his abrupt demise. Please respect our privacy as we mourn our son and sibling. The music mogul posted a statement honoring the artist 20 years after Colourblind topped the charts.
Darius’ friend lays flowers at his family home in Glasgow.
Darius Campbell-buddy Danesh’s laid flowers at his Glasgow house today.
Anne Ferguson claimed she had ‘no words’ to explain her anguish at his loss.
Her famed hairdresser husband Taylor Ferguson worked with Darius for two decades. They met again in March when Darius visited his Glasgow salon with Gerard Butler.
Anne Ferguson brings flowers to Darius’ Glasgow house today.
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Anne Ferguson brings flowers to Darius’ Glasgow house today.
Mrs Ferguson told MailOnline: ‘It’s dreadful.’ Nothing. I’m sad beyond words.
Mrs. Ferguson met Darius when her husband trimmed his hair before his first Pop Idol performance.
Taylor cut Darius’ hair before Pop Idol, and they’ve been friends ever since.
Anne Ferguson and Darius in 2011 London
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Anne Ferguson and Darius in 2011 London
Darius’s song Colourblind was number one on our son’s wedding day, yet he still attended.
We played Darius’ song again during our son’s 20th wedding anniversary. He died that day?
I love his parents and brothers. Sad.
Darius (left) with Taylor Ferguson and Gerard Butler (right) in March.
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Darius (left) with Taylor Ferguson and Gerard Butler (right) in March.
Taylor Ferguson, Mrs. Ferguson’s husband, was ‘devastated’ by Darius’ death.
Mr Ferguson claimed he was ‘devastated’ by the abrupt loss of his friend Darius. 42. Brokenhearted. Darius was a family buddy from Pop Idol.
Last Thursday was our son and daughter-in-20th law’s anniversary. On that date, Darius’s first number one, Colourblind, turned 20.
Darius attended the wedding, where guests praised his achievements and danced to the song.
Darius famously turned down Cowell’s record offer, but the two have stayed friends and reconnected at an X Factor party and recording.
The late actor also attended Simon’s party and judges’ homes filming at his Malibu home.
‘I first saw Darius on TV over 20 years ago and came to know him well,’ Cowell told MailOnline. He was charismatic, humorous, and enjoyable.
His death is a tragedy, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly tweeted: ‘We’re saddened by Darius Campbell Danesh’s very early death. His Pop Idol experience brought us many laughter. We love his family. RIP.’
Gerard Butler, who had recently visited Rochester, a small city of 117,000, was one of the last people to be pictured with Darius before his death.
Cowell spotted Darius’ star quality despite finishing third on Pop Idol and offered him a deal, but the singer said it was the ‘natural choice’ to reject it.
Darius told Hello! : ‘It seemed obvious to turn down Simon Cowell’s contract offer. If I hadn’t done that, Colourblind wouldn’t be number one.
I would have done covers and been forgotten. I’m so happy to do what I love without having to follow someone else’s rules.
Lorraine Kelly, Adele Roberts, and Rylan went to social media to mourn the singer’s death.
Jessica Pietersen and Michelle Heaton, both Popstars alumnae from 2001, also paid tribute.
Myleen Klass, who catapulted to popularity on Popstars with her band Hear’Say, posted a throwback photo of him after his death.
Gareth Gates, 38, commemorated Darius with a poignant message after his tragic death was verified by relatives.
He said, “I can’t believe Darius died.” Saddened. Darius was like a big brother to me throughout our time on Pop Idol. I thank him for that.
I’ll miss our conversations. His lovely, intellectual, gentle nature filled up every room. Goodbye. Sincerely,’
Darius originally gained prominence on Popstars in 2001 before launching a great music and theater career.
Darius’ interpretation of Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time on ITV’s talent competition was cringeworthy at the time.
After Pop Idol in 2002, he turned Simon Cowell’s record deal offer and signed with producer Steve Lillywhite.
Lisa Guit, who knew Darius, told MailOnline: ‘I’m devastated. Darius a was a great gentleman, smart and gifted.
Darius introduced me to his buddies when I moved to London. Darius connected me to (BBC News health editor) Hugh Pym to help me network. He was like that.
I remember when he invited me to an event at Friends Of St Columba’s Church and sang Nessun Dorma. The crowd was riveted. He controlled the room. It was spectacular.
He was talented and ambitious in music, performing, and business, and he loves his family. Rest in peace my friend, we’re all heartbroken.’
Darius’s debut single, Colourblind, got to number one in July 2002, beginning a string of top 10 hits.
His first solo album, Dive In, went platinum, and he made his West End debut in Chicago.
In the US, he fell in love with Natasha Henstridge, who starred in Species.
The pair split after marrying in 2011 at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
“That partnership had its ups and downs,” he told the Scottish Herald. We broke up countless times and spent six months apart throughout 12 years.
‘Half of it was long-distance. Amazing, but painful. You want to be with someone you adore.
He told Hello! in 2010 about breaking his neck in a car crash. The musician was in a Porsche that slid on oil and smacked a wall at 70mph in Spain.
Darius fell and went into a near-fatal coma after drinking from the River Thames while marketing water filters for Frech2o.
After fainting with bacterial meningitis and brain enlargement, the Glaswegian was placed in a coma. He woke to find his mother, Avril Danesh, crying at his bedside.
After finishing third in Pop Idol, he won ITV’s Popstar To Operastar, beating Bernie Nolan of the Nolan Sisters.
A few months after his ITV win, he was cast in a new production of Carmen at London’s O2 Arena.
In a one-off performance, he played the toreador Escamillo in the venue’s debut opera.
Darius later solidified his creative skills by co-directing Daniel Radcliffe thrillers Imperium (2016) and Tomorrow (2018).
The singer made pals along the road, including Gerard Butler. In 2019, he walked with Rebel Wilson in Portofino, Italy.
In 2011, he revealed he based his portrayal of Chicago’s conniving lawyer Flynn on Pop Idol judge Cowell.
Darius starred opposite Ugly Betty star America Ferrera in the musical set in prohibition-era Chicago. He said, ‘He’s the consummate businessman and a wonderful guy, and there’s a lot of Simon Cowell in Billy Flynn in terms of how he approaches things.’
Cowell convinced him to take the Chicago role.
He remarked, ‘I’m glad for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had, and to call Simon Cowell a friend and have dinner with him.’
Darius was a hospice ambassador.
Scottish mother and Iranian father raised him in Glasgow. He studied English literature and philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.
After visiting his grandfather in a Paisley nursing home, he changed his name to include his mother’s maiden name, Campbell.
After his parents recovered from illness, he began supporting cancer organisations including Cancer Research UK.
He remarked, ‘I’m glad for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had, and to call Simon Cowell a friend and have dinner with him.’