Depeche Mode founder Andy Fletcher died ‘naturally and without prolonged suffering’ aged 60-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher died of natural causes, his band members have said (Picture: Getty)

Depeche Mode’s keyboardist Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher died ‘naturally and without prolonged suffering’ at the age of 60, the band has announced.

The musician and founding member of the group died last month on May 26, with his co-stars confirming that he had an aortic dissection, a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body’s main artery.

Fletcher’s cause of death was disclosed by the band at the request of his family, according to the post.

The statement from Dave Gahan and Martin Gore read: ‘We wanted to take a moment and acknowledge the outpouring of love for Andy that we’ve seen from all of you over the last few weeks.

‘It’s incredible to see all of your photos, to read your words, and to see how much Andy meant to all of you. As you can imagine, it’s been a strange, sad, disorienting few weeks for us here, to say the least. But we’ve seen and felt all of your love and support, and we know that Andy’s family has too.

‘A couple weeks ago we received the result from the medical examiners, which Andy’s family asked us to share with you now. Andy suffered an aortic dissection while at home on May 26.

Fletcher died ‘without prolonged suffering’ (Picture: Rex)

‘So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering.’

The band members revealed they had a celebration of Fletcher’s life in London last week, which saw his loved ones gather to share great memories

‘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,’ they continued.

‘All being together was a very special way to remember Andy and see him off.’

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They concluded the statement by thanking fans for all the love they have shown to Fletcher’s family and friends over the last few weeks.

‘It honestly means the world to all of us,’ they added. ‘Andy, you’ll be missed, but certainly not forgotten.’

Fletcher left behind a wife, Grainne, to whom he was married for almost 30 years, and two children, Megan and Joe.

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