Stephen Gately Dies, Age 33

Stephen Gately has died suddenly, at age 33, in Spain. He was holidaying in Majorca with partner Andrew Cowles. It has been reported that he fell asleep and then did not wake up. The cause of death is, as of yet, unknown. His four bandmates – Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch, are said to be “devastated” by Gately’s sudden death. He died at approximately 1.45pm in his house at Port Andratx. His former bandmates made a statement in which they said “we are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen.” Police probing has so far shown there to me no suspicious circumstances linked to Gately’s untimely death.

The news has also left Boyzone’s manager, Louis Walsh, shocked. Walsh had enjoyed a night out in Galway with Gately the weekend before his death. Walsh is said to be “absolutely devastated”. He has also said he “is in complete shock. [He] was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony.”
Sir Elton John has also led the tributes, announcing that he and his partner David are “stunned by this tragedy”. Sir Elton John also said that “Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul. We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere.”

Gately sent tremors through the music community a decade ago when he openly confessed to being homosexual, before marrying his partner Andrew in a civil ceremony in 2006. Scores of his fans have also posted tributes to Gately on his Facebook profile. He joined Boyzone in 1993, before the band went on to enjoy massive success, including 6 songs reaching number one on the charts. The band split up in 2000, but recently reformed.