Simon Cowell has paid tribute to Darius Campbell Danesh, calling his death an "absolute tragedy".
The pair appeared on Pop Idol together back in 2002, with Syco boss Simon in the judging seat as Darius impressed with his vocal talents.
Devastatingly, Darius' family announced that the Pop Idol contestant turned successful theatre star had died aged 41 after his body was found in his Minnesota apartment. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Paying tribute, Simon said: "I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well.
“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.”
Darius' family announced his death in an emotional statement on Tuesday, which 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."
Nicki Chapman was the first of the Popstars judges to share their heartbreak over his death, writing on social media: "There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh.
"A true gent with a kind soul & mischievous tinkle in his eye. From that eventful first audition on Popstars to him kindly inviting me to see him perform on the West End stage
"Thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Darius was last pictured with Hollywood pal Gerard Butler in Malibu as he took a dog for a walk, just weeks before he died.
The friends were photographed barefoot as they hung out near Gerard's home.
The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor - who was known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 - also appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young.
After his successful stint in Pop Idol, he was offered a record deal by Simon Cowell - which he turned down in favour of working with producer Steve Lillywhite.
He went on to forge a successful stage career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn in two runs of the production, as well as Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind and more in the West End.
