Gerard Butler in heartbreaking letter to Darius Campbell Danesh ‘Lit up a room in seconds’ | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Gerard Butler, 52, has shared his heartbreak following the death of his friend, Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh. His death was announced on Tuesday after the 41-year-old was found “unresponsive” at his home in Rochester, Minnesota.

Gerard and Darius are understood to have struck up a friendship after the latter moved to America and they were introduced by Rod Stewart.
 
Most recently, the Scottish pals travelled to Glasgow together in March and partied at Coachella last April.
 
In a moving letter shared to his three million Instagram followers, Gerard penned: “I am devastated by the sudden passing of my dear friend Darius, a true brother in arms. My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad, Avril and Booth, and his two brilliant brothers, Aria and Cyrus.
 
“To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by his infectious laugh and barely containable zest for life.

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Darius’ showbiz career began in 2002 when he came third on Pop Idol, behind Gareth Gates and Will Young.

Later that year, he landed a number one hit with Colourblind and his album, Dive In, reached the top 10.

He also had a successful career on the stage with roles in Chicago, Guys and Dolls and Funny Girl.

His cause of death remains unknown but a statement from his family confirmed that the police do not suspect “intent or suspicious circumstances”.