UK singer Darius Danesh, who first found fame on ITV talent shows Popstars and Pop Idol, has died.
He was aged 41.
The Scottish singer became famous after his over-wrought audition performance of Britney Spears' smash hit single 'One More Time' on Popstars went viral.
After taking on feedback from the judges on his first appearance on the talent show Popstars, he appeared again on reality show Pop Idol and ended up coming third behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in 2002.
Danesh was also famous for his work in London's West End, and appeared in musicals such as Chicago and Guys and Dolls.
His family said he was found in his US apartment.
In a statement to the BBC, the family said the cause of death was "unknown."
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh.
"Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners' office.
"The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.
"We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother," the statement concluded.
Simon Cowell, who was a judge on Pop Idol and who became a mentor to Danesh, led the tributes.
"I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well," he said.
"He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with.
"His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends."
In 2011, he married Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, who was in sci-fi horror Species, but the pair divorced in 2013.
