Depeche Mode Reveals Founding Member Andy Fletcher's Cause Of Death

Depeche Mode keyboardist and founding member Andy Fletcher died from an aortic dissection while at home, the band shared Monday on Instagram.

The statement came after the death of the beloved band member on May 26 at the age of 60.

The group’s remaining members Martin Gore and Dave Gahan said Fletcher’s family had asked them to share the news with their fans.

“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. So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering,” the post caption read alongside a photo of Fletcher smiling conservatively in front of a glass of beer.

Mayo Clinic describes aortic dissection as a tearing of the body's main artery (aorta) which usually occurs in men between the ages of 60 and 70 and is often deadly.

The band went on to say that they recently had a celebration of Fletcher’s life in London which was marked by “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 letter continued, “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.”

Fletcher’s bandmates announced his sudden passing in May and said that they were “shocked” and “filled with overwhelming sadness” upon the demise of the British band’s synthesizer player.

The band tweeted, “Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint. Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”

Fletcher formed Depeche Mode in 1980 in Basildon, east of London with fellow synthesizer players Vince Clarke and Martin Gore, and vocalist Dave Gahan. Alan Wilder replaced Clarke when he left the band after their first album, “Speak & Spell” in 1981 and Gore became the group’s main songwriter.

Depeche Mode developed a huge following in the 80s and 90s, sold millions of records, and landed several singles on the British charts. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.