Darius Campbell Danesh faced two life-threatening health battles prior to his death

Singer and actor Darius Campbell Danesh, who rocketed to fame on ITV talent shows Popstars and Pop Idol two decades ago, has died at the age of 41. The cause of death is not known, but his family said he was found in his US apartment. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” they said in a statement.

“So I drank the water for the video and raised the funds but when I went to Glasgow to see my mum for her birthday I collapsed.

“It turned out I had a cerebral oedema where your brain swells bigger than your skull.

“My dad saved my life. He got me to hospital, they diagnosed it quickly. I had bacterial meningitis.

“I had picked up an inflammatory virus from the Thames that had stayed in my system.

“Yet she was sat next to me with tears in her eyes telling my brother that they almost lost me.”

Darius Campbell Danesh dead at the age 41

“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,” his family said in a statement.

“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.”