Scottish singer-songwriter Darius Campbell Danesh was found dead in his Minnesota apartment earlier this week. He was 41 years old.
The Colourblind singer was also a close friend of actor Gerard Butler, who described him as his "brother in arms". Butler shared a recent photo of the pair from a trip to Malibu.
"I am devastated by the sudden passing of my dear friend Darius, a true brother in arms", Butler wrote via Instagram. "My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus".
He also added, "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", Butler continued. "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".
Darius Campbell Danesh was known for his 2002 hit 'Colourblind', and taking part in the very first series of Pop Idol in 2001, which was won by Will Young. He also enjoyed a very succesful career on the West End stage.
Gerard Butler also added that he was a man who was driven to "inspire others to better themselves".
"Our boy Darius was always constant and unwavering in his passion for life", the 300 actor added.
"But a bigger constant was his dream to inspire others to better themselves. He talked the talk but boy, did he walk the walk. He had such purity of thought, a deep wisdom and constant gratitude for people, for life, a compassion towards all".
"His hilarious self-deprecating sense of humor (he was funny as shit) allowed him to stay humble – something he valued deeply. Darius’ undying commitment to being of service to individuals- his family, his friends (none more so than me) and to the world at large made him the perfect friend".
"He led by example but he was also a teacher, as he pushed those he loved to be the best possible versions of themselves".
Butler also stated, "The universe unfolds in ways we may not agree with or even understand. Somewhere in there I believe there is, or will be, some meaning in why he left us so early. If it was nothing more than teaching us to live with that open heart, putting others first and never taking ourselves too seriously as we learn to traverse this wonky world we live in then, that might be enough".
