Depeche Mode have thanked fans for the “outpouring of love” they’ve received following the death of Andy Fletcher.
The group’s keyboard player passed away on May 26, his bandmates confirmed via a post on social media, and in a new update they reflected on his loss.
“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,” Martin Gore and Dave Gahan penned.
“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,” they continued. “But we’ve seen and felt all of your love and support, and we know that Andy’s family has too.”
Revealing Andy died of natural causes, they added: “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.”
They also revealed a “beautiful ceremony” took place to celebrate his life, with friends and family and “our immediate DM family” in attendance.
“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.”
The group concluded: “So thank you for all of the love you’ve shown Andy and his family and friends over the last few weeks. It honestly means the world to all of us. Andy, you’ll be missed, but certainly not forgotten.”