Boyzone star Stephen Gately died suddenly yesterday evening in Majorca at the age of just 33.Reported by the News of the World, the cause of his death is unclear though a close friend told the paper: "It looks like he went out for a few drinks, then got back, fell asleep and never woke up."
His fellow bandmates and Boyzone manager Louis Walsh are said to be devastated at the shock news.
Louis Walsh told the News of the World: "We're all absolutely devastated.
"I'm in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony. We don't know much about what's happened yet.
"I only heard after The X Factor and we will rally around each other this week. He was a great man."
The remaining members of Boyzone are set to fly to Palma, Majorca tomorrow. Shane Lynch said: "Me and the boys are flying out in the morning.
"We just need to get over to where he's passed and work out what we need to do."
And Ronan Keating, who is currently in Chicago, is reportedly distraught over the news.
A friend said: "Ronan is completely distraught. No-one saw this coming. He loved Stephen like a brother, they were so close, it's absolutely floored him. It's a massive shock to everyone and no one can take it in yet. He was a man in the prime of his life, and this is a huge tragedy."
Gately's success story began in 1993 when he answered an advert in Dublin to audition for Ireland's very own boyband. The result was Boyzone and the band went on to massive success, with six number one singles.
In 2009, Stephen made the brave decision to come out to his adoring public and, when the band moved onto solo projects, Gately was the first to release his debut solo single, New Beginning, followed by an album of the same name.
He also appeared on stage, most notably in the starring role for Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Boyzone, including Gately, reunited in 2008 and were due to release a new album in 2010. Stephen had also made his film debut in the horror movie Credo before his untimely death.
He leaves behind partner Andrew Cowles, whom he wed in a civil partnership ceremony in London in 2006.
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Oct 11th 2009 4:46AM
Kellie commented:
Its such a sad loss, at 33. You had so much more to give whether that be publically or in your private life. You were loved by thousands and will be missed xxx
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Oct 11th 2009 10:45AM
Kenny commented:
Oct 11th 2009 12:39PM
nannykins commented:
You were an inspiration to many young men who trying to come to their sexuality whilst in the public limelight, and helped many to be honest with themselves, and their fans.
May you R.I.P Stephen.
Oct 11th 2009 2:10PM
Casper commented:
this is a great loss to stephens family and friends and to the music industry.. who he was to be in his personal life does not come into it.. you talk about the wrongness of homosexuality at such a time when i assume you know nothing about it or how brave it was for stephen to come out in the public at a time it still wasnt very acceptable, he inspired so many young people male.female hetrosexual/gay.lesbian/transgender.
Stephen may you Rest in peace, my condolances to all who loved and adored you.
Oct 11th 2009 2:23PM
Danni Keturah Butterworth commented:
Oct 11th 2009 3:14PM
Andrew commented:
Oct 11th 2009 4:22PM
james commented:
Oct 11th 2009 6:20PM
sue commented:
Oct 11th 2009 4:48AM
june commented:
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Oct 11th 2009 2:33PM
joan commented:
Oct 11th 2009 8:02AM
jane savage commented:
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Oct 11th 2009 4:52AM
mary commented:
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Oct 11th 2009 4:55AM
Shirley commented:
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Oct 11th 2009 4:57AM
Judith commented:
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Oct 11th 2009 7:49AM
Darryl commented:
Oct 11th 2009 9:21AM
Annie commented:
Oct 11th 2009 8:21AM
Joan commented:
To lose someone so young and suddenly is a real shock to everyone.
God Bless Stephen and may you rest in peace.x
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Oct 11th 2009 5:02AM
Lynn Brown commented:
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Oct 11th 2009 5:02AM
BELINDA commented:
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Oct 11th 2009 5:02AM
Angela commented:
I was always a Boyzone fan and followed Stephens work after.
He was a great talent. His voice was unmistakable.
You never heard a single rumour about him or any of the band, he was a thoroughly decent human being, who has, sadly been taken from us much too soon.
We saw Boyzone at the Blackpool lights switch on in 2008 they were amazing.
God Bless Stephen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his partner and the rest of the band.
You will be missed more than you could ever know.
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