Darius Campbell Danesh was booked into the hotel where he died under the name of his close friend Gerard Butler’s girlfriend, Web can reveal – it turned out the Hollywood star was visiting him in the days leading up to his death.
The 41-year-old singer was found unresponsive on August 11 in a room at the Berkman Apartments across from the Mayo Clinic’s specialty treatment center in Rochester, Minnesota. He checked in under the name Morgan Brown, a source said.
Campbell Danesh had become close friends with Butler, his Scottish compatriot, in recent months and he was among the last people to be photographed with him before his death.
The couple are believed to have been introduced to pop legend Rod Stewart after the color-blind singer moved to America.
Recent photos show Campbell Danesh and Butler walking barefoot together near Malibu Beach and at the Coachella rock festival last April. In March they traveled to Glasgow together.
A source at the Berkman apartments told The Sun they’ve seen Butler “a couple of times,” adding, “I think he was supporting his friend.”
His death at the age of 41 was announced by his family on Tuesday, but the cause remains unknown and it’s unclear if he was treated at the Rochester, Minnesota medical facility.
Local Rochester Police said there was “no evidence of intent or suspicious circumstances” and are awaiting toxicology results, which could take up to two months.
Among the last people photographed with Darius before his death was actor Gerard Butler (pictured right with his friend in Malibu, California on June 11), who has reportedly traveled to Rochester, Minnesota in recent months was
The 41-year-old singer was found unresponsive on August 11 in a room at the Berkman Apartments across from the Mayo Clinic’s specialty treatment center in Rochester, Minnesota. He checked in under the name of Butler’s girlfriend Morgan Brown (pictured), a source said
The Berkman, seen last night, is billed as Rochester’s “premier destination for elegant short- and long-term suites.”
It is described as Rochester’s “premium address for elegant short and long term furnished suites and living spaces”.
The majority of residents in the block of flats, which has around 270 long-term rentals and 75 short-term or overnight rentals, work or receive treatment at Mayo Clinic’s Saint Mary’s campus.
Opened in 1889, the medical facility has 70 operating rooms, ten intensive care units, and 1,265 beds and specializes in cardiac care, transplants, psychiatry, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
A police spokesman said: “The investigation into the cause of death is still pending. There is no known threat to the public.’
A heartbreaking police 911 call revealed the moment the star was found unresponsive at the apartment block.
The Rochester Police Department said it responded to a “call from a deceased person” at The Berkman at 11:53 a.m. on Aug. 11, and the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s office identified the person as Darius.
Scots Pop Idol contestant Darius Campbell Danesh’s family could wait two agonizing months to find out the cause of death. Pictured with his ex-wife Natasha Henstridge and their two sons
The West End star was found unresponsive in a US home opposite the Mayo Clinic’s specialist treatment center (pictured) on August 11. file image
An 911 call was reportedly made when a “medical” team was called for a “possibly deceased” person.
Another call was allegedly made minutes later by an operator who said: “You don’t have to answer. We are waiting for RPD [Rochester Police Department] arrive at the crime scene. We secure the residence.«
Darius was believed to be just weeks away from a reunion tour with his former Pop Idol co-stars, with sources close to him claiming he was very “excited” about the homecoming and comeback trip to the UK .
Stars of the show from around the world, including Queen singer and American Idol winner Adam Lambert, are set to be invited back to Thames TV filming at the Criterion Theater in London’s West End, The Sun has reported.
Police said there have been “no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances” so far while they await toxicology reports. Darius lived in the United States and was in a relationship with Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge.
Pop idol star Darius Campbell Danesh pictured at the Ivy Chelsea Garden Annual Summer Party in London in May 2018
Darius and Gerard Butler with the famous hairdresser Taylor Ferguson
The couple married at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, in 2011 but had since divorced. His ex-wife wrote in a statement yesterday: “There are no words Darius… just love, love, love. Forever Janam.«
A statement from Campbell Danesh’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh.
“Darius was found unresponsive in his apartment bed on August 11 and was pronounced dead by the coroner that afternoon.
“The local police department has confirmed that there was no evidence of intent or suspicious circumstances. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this time while medical investigations continue.
“We ask that you respect our wishes for privacy at this time as we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.”
One of the last public pictures of Campbell Danesh was on June 11 walking a dog with friend and compatriot, actor Gerard Butler, in Malibu.
He was said to be weeks away from a reunion tour with his former Pop Idol co-stars, which he was very “excited” about.
Darius and Natasha Henstridge at a barbecue at The Project Beach House in Malibu, California on August 9, 2008
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment world, with Pete Waterman, who first met Campbell Danesh as a judge on Pop Idol, describing him as “the perfect person.”
“The word gentleman is overused, but not in the case of Darius,” he told Good Morning Britain yesterday.
“So calm, so polite, so gentle, I think he was the perfect person. So polite. No crosswords. He didn’t get angry. Darius wanted to do too much. He had too much talent. Darius could have grown bigger than Michael Bublé.”
Simon Cowell, 63, led the tributes for the late singer, whom he first met in 2002 when he placed third on Pop Idol.
The music mogul released a statement in honor of the star, who died exactly 20 years after topping the charts with his critically acclaimed single Colourblind.
Darius famously turned down a recording deal from Cowell, but the two have remained friends over the years, reuniting at an X Factor party and recording session.
It was also revealed that the late star recently visited Simon’s home in Malibu for the evening to attend the party and filming at the judges’ home.
Cowell told Web: “I first saw Darius on TV over 20 years ago and got to know him really well. He was charismatic, funny and just a great person.
“His death is an absolute tragedy for someone so young and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”