Depeche Mode confirm cause of Andy Fletcher’s death, thank fans for “outpouring of love” in statement

Depeche Mode have confirmed the cause of death of cofounder and keyboardist Andy Fletcher, who died suddenly, aged 60, on 26th May. 

In a new statement posted to Instagram, Martin Gore and Dave Gahan said Fletcher “suffered an aortic dissection” in his home. “So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering.” 

Gore and Gahan shared they recently gathered in honour of their late bandmate for a memorial with Fletcher’s family and friends. “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 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.”

They also thanked fans for 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,” they wrote, “…we’ve seen and felt all of your love and support, and we know that Andy’s family has too.”

Earlier this month, Fletcher’s wife Grainne and children, Megan and Joe, launched a JustGiving campaign to support Teenage Cancer Trust in Fletcher’s memory. Learn more and contribute here.

Andy “Fletch” Fletcher cofounded Depeche Mode with Gore, Gahan and Vince Clarke in 1980. The group went on to have 54 songs hit the UK singles chart and 17 top-10 albums in the UK. In 2020, Depeche Mode was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.