Darius Campbell Danesh's family has spoken out after his autopsy results were published.
Last year it was revealed that the former Pop Idol star had died at his US apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 41.
Darius's girlfriend Lauren Cheek opened up on his death back in July, revealing that the singer suffered from an undiagnosed heart problem which made his heart swell to twice its normal size.
The 30 year old US businesswoman also The Sun that singer-songwriter Darius had a broken neck from a car accident back in 2010 which caused him recurring pain ever since.
A medical examiner had said that Darius's death was caused by "inhalation of chloroethane".
Now his family has issued a new statement, saying it gave them "great sadness to share further information" on their loss.
"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," they said in a statement to The Scotsman.
The statement continued: ‘"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."
It went on to say how Darius had enjoyed dinner with friends the night before his death, with them all making plans to meet up the next day.
But when Darius didn't show up, hotel staff were asked to check on him – he was found unresponsive in bed, having inhaled chloroethane using a bag, which led to respiratory arrest.
The statement said: "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 explained how although Darius had been struggling with pain, he was looking forward to the future. They finished by thanking everyone for their continued support.
Darius first rose to fame on ITV show Popstars in 2001, performing a rendition of Britney Spears' Baby One More Time in his audition.
He then won the nation's hearts on Pop Idol, coming third in the first series won by Will Young in 2002.
Last year, Darius was rumoured to be appearing on a reunion show alongside fellow alumni Will and Gareth Gates, who was runner-up.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on freephone 116 123, or emailjo@samaritans.org orjo@samaritans.ie
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