Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died from “inhalation of chloroethane”, the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed.
The singer and theatre actor was found dead in his US apartment, in Rochester, Minnesota, last month at the age of 41.
Autopsy documents listed “toxic effects of chloroethane” as well as “suffocation” as having contributed to his death.
The family of the former Pop Idol star has said that he was “suffering from chronic neck pain following a car accident in 2010”, as they thanked everyone for their “love and kindness” following his death.
A statement from his family to the PA news agency said: “The results of medical examinations have confirmed that Darius’s death was an accident caused by chloroethane, which is used to treat pain and that tragically lead to respiratory arrest.
“Darius was suffering from chronic neck pain following a car accident in 2010.
“We would like to thank everyone for their love and kindness, and ask that the family’s privacy is maintained during this difficult time”.
The singer had been a passenger in a Porsche when it hit a wall at 70mph after skidding on oil during a holiday in Spain.
The medical examiner, who provides independent scrutiny of the causes of death, ruled Campbell Danesh’s passing, having been found dead on August 11, an accident.
A statement released by the pop star’s family previously said local police had found “no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances”.
A private service for family and friends was held at Bearsden Cross Parish Church in the singer’s hometown on Thursday, August 25.
Born in Glasgow in 1980 to a Scottish mother and an Iranian father, Campbell Danesh went to Glasgow Academy in the city’s West End before going on to study English Literature and Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.
Known as Darius Danesh, the Glaswegian singer-songwriter made his first bid for fame on ITV’s Popstars in 2001.
SNS GroupHe also appeared on the first series of Pop Idol, which featured Gareth Gates and was won by Will Young.
He turned down a record deal from judge Simon Cowell and instead went onto work with producer Steve Lillywhite with his first single, Colourblind, being released on July 29, 2002.
It entered the UK singles chart at number one, staying at the top of the charts for two weeks.
His debut album, Dive In, was certified platinum. He went onto have five UK top ten singles.
Close friend of the singer, Gerard Butler, described him as an “incredible talent” who had the “heart of a lion”.
In a post on his Instagram, the actor wrote an emotional message in remembrance of his late friend.
“I am devastated by the sudden passing of my dear friend Darius, a true brother in arms,” Butler wrote.
“My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus.
“To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by his infectious laugh and barely containable zest for life.
“He was always armed with a smile, a booming voice, and a genuinely warm embrace that few could resist-nor would they want to!!!
“He was an incredible talent, a singer whose voice touched your soul and an actor with great presence. But, most importantly, he had the heart of a lion.
“It was bigger and brighter than the sun and an energy so contagious he could light up a room in seconds.”
Fellow Pop Idol contestant Will Young 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.
“I found this picture a while ago taken during Pop Idol. If there was ever an example of not giving up on your dreams then Darius is top of the pile.
“Driven, courageous and gentle. My love goes to his family at this time x”
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