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FINAL GOODBYE

Darius Campbell Danesh funeral – Gerard Butler among mourners paying tribute to Pop Idol star found dead in US aged 41

HEARTBROKEN Gerald Butler today led mourners in saying a final goodbye to Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh.

The singer, 41, was tragically found dead in his US apartment on August 11.

Darius Danesh was laid to rest today
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Darius Danesh was laid to rest todayCredit: Getty
His close pal Gerald Butler was in attendance
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His close pal Gerald Butler was in attendance

Around 100 mourners gathered to pay their respects to as he was laid to rest today.

A lone piper played song Caledonia during the sombre procession.

His close pal Butler was among those saying goodbye to the star at the service in Glasgow.

The Hollywood actor, 52, previously paid tribute to his fellow Scot, calling him a "true brother in arms”.

Read more on the tragedy

He added: "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.

"He was always armed with a smile, a booming voice, and a genuinely warm embrace that few could resist – nor would they want to!!! He was an incredible talent, a singer whose voice touched your soul and an actor with great presence.

"But, most importantly, he had the heart of a lion. It was bigger and brighter than the sun and an energy so contagious he could light up a room in seconds."

Comic Omid Djalili paid tribute to Darius today as he shared details of his funeral.

He said: "Funeral today in Bearsden, Glasgow for Darius Campbell Danesh. Such a lovely talented man gone way too soon.

"People were always taken aback by how much of a true gentleman he was. God bless his soul. Rest in peace my brother."

Darius was found dead in bed in an apartment block next to the renowned Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11.

No cause of death has been revealed but his family said there were "no signs of intent".

A statement released by his family read: "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."

Read More on The Sun

Read More on The Sun

Tributes for the singer soon came flooding in, with the likes of Simon Cowell and Gareth Gates paying their respects.

The Sun revealed how Darius — who came third on Pop Idol in 2002 — was in talks over a potential reunion special being planned by producers Thames TV.

Darius was discovered in his US apartment
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Darius was discovered in his US apartmentCredit: AP
The singer pictured with Will Young and Gareth Gates on Pop Idol
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The singer pictured with Will Young and Gareth Gates on Pop Idol
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