One month after Depeche Mode keyboardist and founding member Andy Fletcher’s death, the band has released a new statement on social media, confirming the cause of death.
In a statement posted to the official Depeche Mode Instagram account on Monday, the band’s remaining members Martin Gore and Dave Gahan said that Fletcher died of an aortic dissection while at his home on May 26, and that his family had asked the band to share the news.
“A couple weeks ago we received the result from the medical examiners, which Andy’s family asked us to share with you now,” the post reads. “Andy suffered an aortic dissection while at home on May 26. So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering.”
The post also described a celebration for Fletcher’s life that Gore and Gahan held, and thanked fans for the outpouring of support they’ve provided Fletcher’s family and love ones in the weeks following his death.
“We had a celebration of Andy’s life in London last week, which was a beautiful ceremony and gathering with a few tears, but filled with the great memories of who Andy was, stories of all of our times together, and some good laughs,” the post said. “Andy was celebrated in a room full of many of his friends and family, our immediate DM family, and so many people who have touched Andy’s and our lives throughout the years. All being together was a very special way to remember Andy and see him off.”
“So thank you for all of the love you’ve shown Andy and his family and friends over the last few weeks,” the post continues. “It honestly means the world to all of us. Andy, you’ll be missed, but certainly not forgotten.”
Fletcher was a founding member of Depeche Mode, forming the electronic band in 1980 with Gore, Gahan and Vince Clarke. Over the course of his tenure with the group, Depeche sold over 100 million records and had 54 songs reach the U.K. singles chart. In 2020, Fletcher was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his fellow band members. Read Depeche Mode’s full statement below.
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