Scottish singer Darius Campbell Danesh died of ‘inhalation of chloroethane’
10.09.2022 - 04:21
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died from “inhalation of chloroethane”, the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed.
The Scottish star was found dead in his US apartment, in Rochester, Minnesota, last month at the age of 41. Autopsy documents obtained by the PA news agency listed “toxic effects of chloroethane” as well as “suffocation” as having contributed to his death.
Chloroethane, commonly known as ethyl chloride, is a colorless, flammable gas or refrigerated liquid with a faintly sweet odor. It used as a solvent, as a refrigerant, and in the production of ethyl cellulose, dyes, medicinal drugs, and other commercial chemicals
The death was ruled an accident by the medical examiner. A statement released by Campbell Danesh’s family previously said local police had found “no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances”.
Read more: Funeral of Darius Campbell Danesh held in Bearsden following sudden death
Chloroethane, commonly known as ethyl chloride, is a colorless, flammable gas or refrigerated liquid with a faintly sweet odor. It is as a strong alkylating agent used in gasoline additives, plastics, dyes, pharmaceuticals, topical anesthetics, and as an industrial refrigerant.
The singer-songwriter and actor – who was known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 – also appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young. After Pop Idol, Campbell Danesh turned down Simon Cowell’s offer of a record deal and signed with producer Steve Lillywhite, whose credits include U2 and the Rolling Stones.
Fellow Pop Idol contestants Will Young and Gareth Gates paid tribute to the singer after his death was announced, describing him as “driven,