Darius Campbell, singer and former Pop Idol contestant, has died at the age of 41

Darius Campbell (Photo: Mike Marsland via Getty Images)

Chart-topper and former Pop Idol candidate Darius Campbell died at the age of 41.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Darius’ family announced that the Scottish star was found unconscious in his Minnesota home on Thursday and was pronounced dead the same day.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” they said.

“Darius was found unconscious in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead by the local coroner that afternoon.

“Local police have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this time while medical investigations continue.”

They added: “We ask that you respect our desire for privacy as we process the tragic loss of our son and brother.”

Darius first became known in 2000 through the reality show Popstars, which led to the formation of the pop group Hear’Say.

The following year he auditioned for Pop Idol, where he made it into the final three, alongside Will Young And Gareth Gates.

Darius with his Pop Idol colleagues Will Young, Zoe Birkett, Haley Evetts and Gareth Gates in 2002 (Photo: Rune Hellestad – Corbis via Getty Images)

Following his success on Pop Idol, Darius launched a successful music career, releasing the number one hit Colourblind and a string of top 10 hits including Rushes, Incredible, Kinda Love and Live Twice.

After winning the show Popstar To Operastar in 2010, he pursued a career in theatre, appearing in the opera Carmen and alongside Sheridan Smith in a West End production of Funny Girl.

His other acting credits include the role of Rhett Butler in a new stage version of Gone with the Wind and the role of an Italian magazine editor in the BBC series Hotel Babylon.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated.

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