Darius died of suffocation from toxic effects of pain relief spray
Popular muscle ache anaesthetic named in US autopsy report
SINGER Darius Campbell Danesh died from the ‘toxic effects’ of a pain relief spray that can ease aching muscles – but can also be abused as a drug.
An autopsy report has revealed the 41-year-old Scot, who was found dead in an apartment in the US state of Minnesota last month, had succumbed to ‘suffocation’.
Pathologists concluded his death was accidental but had been caused by the ‘toxic effects of chloroethane’, a commonly available anaesthetic spray.
Last night the family of the former Pop Idol star said he had been ‘suffering from chronic neck pain’ and using the spray had ‘tragically led to respiratory arrest’.
However, chloroethane can also be abused by people to get high – a craze known as ‘huffing’. Inhaling the spray can produce feelings of lightheadedness and euphoria but can also cause severe neurological damage.
A statement from the musician’s family 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 led 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.’
In 2010, Darius spoke to Hello! magazine about the car crash in which he broke his neck. He had been a passenger in a Porsche when it hit a wall at 70mph after skidding on oil during a holiday in Spain.
Mystery has surrounded the death of the West End performer ever since he was found unresponsive in an apartment opposite the Mayo Clinic specialist treatment centre in Rochester on August 11.
At the time, police said there were ‘no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances’.
The star, from Glasgow, was living at the Berkman Apartments, described as Rochester’s ‘premier address for elegant short-term and long-term furnished suites and residential living’. Most of those who live in the block either work or are treated at the Mayo.
The clinic specialises in cardiac treatment, transplants, psychiatry, neurosurgery and rehabilitation. It remains unclear if Darius was receiving treatment there. He is said to have been weeks away from a reunion tour with his former Pop Idol co-stars and was said to be excited about the prospect.
The singer’s debut single, Colourblind, was released in 2002 and went to No1, marking the start of a run of top ten releases.
Darius went on to win West End acclaim with roles in Funny Girl and Chicago.
After his death, tributes poured in from the entertainment world, with Pete Waterman, who first met him as a judge on Pop Idol, describing him as ‘the perfect person’.
His former wife, Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, posted a series of photographs of the couple together on Instagram. She wrote: ‘There are no words Darius – only Love Love Love.’
Last month, this newspaper published his deeply personal final interview in which he described his enduring love for Scotland and his ambitious plans for the future, including working with charities to ‘give something back’.
As he looked back on his life, Darius simply said: ‘I’ve been really blessed. I’ve been really lucky to have had an amazing life.’
‘Accident caused by chloroethane tragically led to respiratory arrest’