In May 2022, Depeche Mode unexpectedly announced that keyboardist and founding member Andy "Fletch" Fletcher had died. It is now known what caused the 60-year-old's death.
Depeche Mode addressed their fans with emotional words on their Instagram profile.
"We want to take a moment to say thank you for all the love we've received over the last few weeks," wrote remaining band members Martin Gore and Dave Gahan.
They describe the time following the death of their keyboardist Andy Fletcher as "strange, sad and confusing". "But we've seen and felt your love and support. And we know Andy's family has too."
At the request of the family, the cult band also published the cause of death of their deceased colleague in the post: "Andy suffered from an aortic dissection." The medical term describes a tear in the inner layer of the aorta.
"Fletch had a true heart of gold"
Andy Fletcher passed away on May 26. On the same day, Depeche Mode released a statement: "We are shocked and filled with immense sadness at the untimely death of our dear friend, family and band member," it read. "Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a laugh or a cold beer."