Darius Campbell Danesh's family explain why he was using drug that led to his death

Darius Campbell Danesh's family has explained why he was using the drug that led to his death.

The former Pop Idol star was tragically found dead in his apartment in Minnesota last month aged 41.

This week, an autopsy report by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death to be 'inhalation of chloroethane' as well as 'suffocation'.

Chloroethane, also known as ethyl chloride, is a chemical used in the manufacture of solvents and dyes which has also been used as a street drug.

Inhalation of chloroethane can produce a number of short term effects including feelings of drunkenness, dizziness and euphoria.

However, his family has since revealed that he had been using the substance as a result of 'chronic neck pain' caused by a car accident in 2010.

In a statement shared by the PA news agency, a spokesperson for the 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 lead 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, and ask that the family’s privacy is maintained during this difficult time."

The Scottish singer-songwriter was seriously injured during the crash, which unfolded while he was on holiday in Spain.

He had been riding as a passenger in a Porsche when it slipped on some oil and crashed into a wall at 70mph.

Darius' recent death was ruled as an accident by the medical examiner, as stated in autopsy documents obtained by PA.

This followed on from a statement previously released by his family which said local police had found 'no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances'.

Darius was previously known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame in ITV show Pop Idol in 2002.

While he did not win the competition, Darius was offered a record deal by Simon Cowell and turned it down to instead team up with producer Steve Lillywhite.

Fellow Pop Idol contestants Will Young and Gareth Gates paid tribute to the singer after his death was announced, describing him as 'driven, courageous and gentle'.

In a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram page, Young wrote: "For the past few days my thoughts have been with Darius’s family and will continue to be so.

"I found this picture a while ago taken during Pop Idol. If there was ever an example of not giving up on your dreams then Darius is top of the pile.

"Driven, courageous and gentle. My love goes to his family at this time x."

Gates said Campbell Danesh had taken him 'under his wing' while appearing together on the show and had been 'like a big brother, always looking out for me'.

He added: "I will miss our chats. He was one of the most beautiful, intelligent and gentle souls I was lucky enough to know, a soul that lit up every room."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677