One month on from the passing of founding keyboardist Andy Fletcher, Depeche Mode have shared a heartfelt statement thanking fans for their support, and revealing the musician’s cause of death.
Fletcher passed away in late May at the age of 60, with the remaining members of the band – Martin Gore and Dave Gahan – expressing “shock” and “overwhelming sadness” upon hearing the news.
Since then, they’ve remained relatively and understandably quiet, taking to social media earlier this morning to offer their first official statement in regards to Fletcher’s death.
“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,” the group wrote. “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.”
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Upon the request of Fletcher’s family, the statement continued by revealing that the keyboardist had passed away following an unexpected aortic dissection.
“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,” the group explained. “So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering.”
The statement concluded by expressing gratitude at the outpouring of support the band and Fletcher’s family had received over the past few weeks.
“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,” they wrote ”
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 statement concluded. “It honestly means the world to all of us. Andy, you’ll be missed, but certainly not forgotten.”
Depeche Mode released their most recent album, Spirit, back in 2017, and performed their most recent show in July of 2018. No statement has been made regarding the future of the band following Fletcher’s passing.
